Assays

US9097671B2 · kind B2 · utility

Inventors

• Torsten Schulz · Pinneberg, DE
• Thomas Kaiser · Hohlstedt, DE
• Thomas Uhlig · Dresden, DE
• Klaus-Peter Mobius · Förderstedt, DE
• Alexander Von Schenk Zu Schweinsberg · Jena, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 29, 2012
• Grant date: Aug 4, 2015
• Expiry date: Apr 11, 2033

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B01L2400/0481
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A method for assaying a sample for each of multiple analytes is described. The method includes contacting an array of spaced-apart test zones with a liquid sample (e.g., whole blood). The test zones are disposed within a channel of a microfluidic device. The channel is defined by at least one flexible wall and a second wall which may or may not be flexible. Each test zone comprising a probe compound specific for a respective target analyte. The microfluidic device is compressed to reduce the thickness of the channel, which is the distance between the inner surfaces of the walls within the channel. The presence of each analyte is determined by optically detecting an interaction at each of multiple test zones for which the distance between the inner surfaces at the corresponding location is reduced. The interaction at each test zone is indicative of the presence in the sample of a target analyte.