Novel Microfluidic Device

About

University of Tasmania researchers have developed a novel microfluidic device for point-of-care (POC) analysis including therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM). Analytical targets can be selectively extracted, concentrated and purified using the novel method which combines electrokinetics and nanotechnology. Value Proposition POC analysis enables more effective implementation of TDM, enabling individualised drug dosage based on measured drug levels in body fluids. At present, clinicians rely on transport of patient samples to a laboratory using techniques such as liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Whilst this process takes typically too long (>18 hr) for effective clinical decision making, there are currently no portable systems available that are fast, affordable, have high specificity and sensitivity and that do not require professionally trained personnel. Our novel device aims to address these issues by providing a cost effective solution that is fast, portable, safe and sensitive while using minute amounts of sample and reagents.