An integrated rotational paper-based ELISA platform for multiplex inflammatory biomarker analysis in whole blood with a DIY centrifuge

Abstract

In the context of global health, commercial centrifuges are effective precision separation tools. However, their high cost, large size, and dependence on a stable power supply hinder improvements in medical standards and limit the adoption of point-of-care testing (POCT) technology in resource-limited settings. Here, we have designed a novel and convenient detection platform that combines the function of a DIY centrifuge for whole blood pretreatment with a rotational paper-based analytical device for a multiplex sandwich-type enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The platform is used to detect the inflammatory biomarkers C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT). The rotational paper-based analytical device demonstrates excellent analytical performance for CRP and PCT, with detection limits of 659 pg mL⁻¹ for CRP and 15.04 pg mL⁻¹ for PCT, respectively. We believe that this reliable technical platform offers a promising solution for disease diagnosis in resource-limited settings or remote regions.