A Disposable Reagent Scaffold for Biochemical Process Integration

Unmet Need
In 2017, there were 1.7 million cases of chlamydial infection reported within the United States. Sixty-five percent of the chlamydia diagnoses were within the ages 15-24, and though CDC recommends annual chlamydia screen for sexually active women within these ages, less than half of eligible women are screen according to these guidelines. Many young adults do not go to clinics or check-ups to ask for sexually transmitted infection (STI) screenings, so there is a need for an at-home STI screening to lessen the spread of STIs and to easily allow young adults to check themselves for STIs if they are sexually active.

Technology Overview
The inventors had already created an integrated nucleic acid amplification platform to detect Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct). They are now improving upon their original method and device to design and fabricate a consumable device for use in magnetic particle-driven biochemical assays, which can not only detect different types of STIs, but could be used to detect other infections and diseases as well. The new device consists of a planar hydrophobic substrate for particle transport and a substrate with extruded space for retention and isolation of biochemical reagents. The device also contains a method of particle transport where one or more magnetic particles are manipulated in two dimensions. Particle extraction, translocation, and re-suspensions is facilitated by magnetic actuation in a combination of both dimensions. There is also a method of modulating temperature contained within one or more extruded features to facilitate a biochemical process.

Stage of Development
A prototype of the invention is in development.  
 

Category(s):