Finger-powered microfluidic electrochemical assay for point-of-care testing

This paper presents a finger-powered microfluidic electrochemical assay for rapid measurements of protein biomarkers. This device employs a valveless, piston-based pumping mechanism which utilizes a human finger for the actuation force. Liquids are driven inside microchannels by pressing on pistons which generate pressure-driven flows. Reagents are preloaded in microwells allowing for the entire testing process to be completed on-chip. For proof-of-concept, this device was used to detect Plasmodium falciparum histidine-rich protein-2 (PfHRP2) in human plasma samples using a mobile phone biosensing platform. Using this device, PfHRP2 was detected from 0.1 to 20 μg/mL with high specificity and each measurement could be completed in ≤ 6 min. Based on its simplicity, portability and good analytical performance, this platform is promising for point-of-care testing, particularly in remote and resource-limited regions.