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Most biosensing techniques require complex processing steps that generate prolonged workflows and introduce potential points of error. Here, we report an acoustic pipette to purify and label biomarkers in 70 minutes. A key aspect of this technology is the use of functional negative acoustic contrast particles (fNACPs), which display biorecognition motifs for the specific capture of biomarkers from whole blood. Because of their large size and compressibility, the fNACPs robustly trap along the pressure antinodes of a standing wave and separate from blood components in under 60 seconds with >99% efficiency. fNACPs are subsequently fluorescently labeled in the pipette and are analyzed by both a custom, portable fluorimeter and flow cytometer. We demonstrate the detection of anti-ovalbumin antibodies from blood at picomolar levels (35 to 60 pM) with integrated controls showing minimal nonspecific adsorption. Overall, this system offers a simple and versatile approach for the rapid, sensitive, and specific capture of biomolecules.
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This content will become publicly available on March 1, 2026
Siphon-based multichannel acoustofluidic separator for rapid and multiplexed biomolecule detection
Conventional strategies for biological sensing require complex workflows to capture, isolate, and prepare biomolecules for specific and high-sensitivity detection. Instruments that facilitate these processes are usually cumbersome, reducing user-friendliness and accessibility. Here, we present a multichannel acoustic separator with biospecific and acoustically responsive microparticles to simplify workflows and shorten the time needed to isolate and detect biomarkers from complex fluids. The multichannel acoustic separator is 3D-printed and supports 12 acoustofluidic trapping channels that isolate the biospecific particles from off-target contaminants in the fluid. Fluid flow through the channels is driven by a semi-continuous siphon, which eliminates the need for fluid pumps. We tested the system for purifying three disparate biomolecules in individual and multiplexed formats, as well as the purification of IgA from whole blood for detection in approximately 70 min.
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- Award ID(s):
- 2143419
- PAR ID:
- 10580804
- Publisher / Repository:
- Cell Press
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Device
- ISSN:
- 2666-9986
- Page Range / eLocation ID:
- 100727
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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