Visualizing alpha-fetoprotein level in undiluted serum based on microfluidic particle accumulation

Minghui Wu, Hogi Hartanto, Siying Wu, Tianyi Jiang, Gaobo Wang, Ting-Hsuan Chen*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review

7 Citations (Scopus)
4 Downloads (CityUHK Scholars)

Abstract

Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is an abundant plasma protein produced by the liver of the human fetus. When abnormally elevated in adult serum, its level can be an essential biomarker for various cancers. In addition, maternal AFP serum levels can be used to screen congenital disorders such as down syndrome and neural tube defects. Here, we report a portable method for visualizing AFP levels in serum. Magnetic microparticles (MMPs) and polystyrene microparticles (PMPs) are designed to bind with AFP simultaneously. By loading the particle solution into a microfluidic chip with a magnetic separator, unconnected PMPs can be separated and continue flowing forward until being trapped at a particle dam. Ultimately, the accumulation length of PMPs enables visualization of AFP levels. This device can be adapted to sensitive mode (70 min incubation) with a limit of detection (LOD) of 15.8 ng/ml and rapid mode (15 min incubation) with a LOD of 34.3 ng/ml in undiluted serum samples, providing a strategy for fast and visual quantitative detection of serum AFP. © 2023 Elsevier B.V.
Original languageEnglish
Article number133963
JournalSensors and Actuators, B: Chemical
Volume390
Online published11 May 2023
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Sept 2023

Funding

We are pleased to acknowledge the funding support from Hong Kong Research Grant Council, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (11217820 and N_CityU119/19), Innovation and Technology Commission, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (ITS/098/20) with input from Dr. Iris Wai-Sum Li and Dr. Yinzhong Shen, The Science, Technology and Innovation Commission of Shenzhen Municipality, China (JCYJ20210324134006017) and City University of Hong Kong (9678242, 6430620, and 7020072).

Research Keywords

  • Alpha-fetoprotein
  • Microparticles
  • Microfluidics
  • Visual inspection
  • ELECTROCHEMICAL IMMUNOSENSOR
  • DETECTION LIMITS
  • SIGNAL AMPLIFICATION
  • BLOOD

Publisher's Copyright Statement

  • COPYRIGHT TERMS OF DEPOSITED POSTPRINT FILE: © 2023. This manuscript version is made available under the CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 license https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/.

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Visualizing alpha-fetoprotein level in undiluted serum based on microfluidic particle accumulation'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this