Technology Description
Oregon State University is seeking a licensee for a paper-based microfluidic well plate systems that are cheaper, modifiable replacements for plastic well plate systems currently in use. This technology has been tested in a 96-well plate embodiment for analysis of a panel of disease biomarkers, environmental and health toxins, and indicators of wellness. The technology is low-cost, disposable, safer due to limited reagent handling, compatible with existing 96-well plate technologies, and reduces current multi-step assays into just one step. The device is simple, biodegradable, and only requires a color chart for qualitative analysis or a pre-existing laboratory plate reader for quantitative analysis. The system is capable of handling a wide variety of analytes and includes any analyte for which a colorimetric or fluorescence signal can be generated using a chemical reaction. The device can be formatted into different densities (6, 24, 384, 1080, etc.) and is made of a microfibrous membrane, a polymer, and a signaling agent, and works by combining thermal inkjet deposition, lamination, electrospinning, and paper chromatography for analysis.
Features & Benefits
- Low cost alternative to current well plates for high level quantitative and qualitative analysis
- Versatile use enabling performance of a wide rage of assays
- Compatible with current technologies for instant integration into laboratories
Applications
- Diagnostics
- Chemical analysis
- Environmental monitoring
Background of Invention
96 well plates are an expensive device used in a vast array of chemical assays in a wide variety of laboratories for chemical analysis, diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and more. Due to the well plates’ high cost and usage, microfluidic paper-based analytical devices are in high demand because of their versatility and low cost, making them an attractive alternative. Current technology utilized alongside well plates includes innovative and expensive plate readers and robotic arms for handling, making the 96 well plates difficult to replace with an alternative because of the investments made.
Status
Patent pending; available for exclusive or non-exclusive licensing
