Shape-coded multi-cavity amphiphilic particles for multiplexed diagnostics of cardiovascular diseases

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Ghulam Destgeer
• Subject Area: Microsystems ; Biomaterials ; Primary Shaping and Reshaping Technology, Additive Manufacturing
• Term: since 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 504195013

Compartmentalizing reaction volumes into numerous nanoliter-scale droplets can significantly improve the performance of diagnostic bioassays. Microfluidic devices have been commonly used to spatially distribute the sample volume in uniform reaction chambers. However, microfluidics technology faces limitations in its widespread usage, especially in resource-limited settings, due to the requirement of bulky equipment and trained staff. Particle-templated droplets or dropicles offer a user-friendly workflow in creating uniform compartments by using common laboratory apparatus. Amphiphilic shape-coded cylindrical particles have been demonstrated to spontaneously form dropicles for diagnostic bioassays. We have developed a scalable microfabrication platform based on the ‘stop flow lithography’ process to produce amphiphilic particles. In this proposed project, we will study the multi-cavity, shape-coded amphiphilic particles for the multiplex diagnostics of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). We will design the microfluidic devices to sculpt the flow in multi-cavity cross-sectional profiles. The devices will be 3D printed to produce the particles with our microfabrication platform. The particle cavities are selectively functionalized with the capture antibodies for target antigens. A multiplexed amplification diagnostic assay will be performed within multi-cavity particles to detect three different CVD biomarkers at clinically relevant concentrations.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants