Microfluidic platform for rapid multiplexed biological sample handling for molecular interrogation

Abstract

Cell manufacture and immune cell research often require screening large numbers of analytes like proteins, metabolites, and nucleic acids, which usually entail expensive equipment and labor-intensive assays such as flow cytometry. On the other hand, microfluidic devices can generate numerous readouts with reduced sample volume, however they often require specialized equipment and expertise to fabricate and use. To this end, we have designed a microfluidic device based on a well plate design for multiplexed analysis of biochemical analyte readouts. The device enables simultaneous liquid delivery to multiple individual wells, thus reducing the number of pipetting steps required to perform assays. The capillary valves used to confine liquid within the wells are capable of withstanding freeze-thawing, which enables pre-loading of plates with reagent for storage and later use. We performed a bioluminescence ATP assay to quantify T cell viability and found that the device was able to capture the luminescence signal with a high degree of consistency. Finally, we performed a bioluminescence immunoassay to compare secretion of IFN-γ between naïve and activated CD4+ T cells, thereby highlighting the potential for this technology to measure relevant immune markers.