A microfluidic device for determining whether an analyte is present in a sample is provided. The microfluidic device includes an elongated flow path having a polymeric medium, where the polymeric medium includes a first analyte detection domain having a first immobilized capture member that specifically binds to a first analyte and a second analyte detection domain having a second immobilized capture member that specifically binds to a second analyte. Also provided are methods, systems and kits in which the subject microfluidic devices find use, as well as methods of producing the same.

A microfluidic device for determining whether an analyte is present in a sample is provided. The microfluidic device includes an elongated flow path having a polymeric medium, where the polymeric medium includes a first analyte detection domain having a first immobilized capture member that specifically binds to a first analyte and a second analyte detection domain having a second immobilized capture member that specifically binds to a second analyte. Also provided are methods, systems and kits in which the subject microfluidic devices find use, as well as methods of producing the same.

It was discovered that hydrogel scaffolds can be used to induce phase separation as aqueous two-phase systems (ATPSs) pass through and/or rehydrate the scaffolds, allowing for concentration of target analyte(s) (e.g., biomolecule(s)) into a particular phase of the ATPS or into a leading front. Accordingly, in various embodiments methods and devices are provided that utilize aqueous two-phase systems and hydrogel scaffolds to improve the sensitivity of assays (e.g., of point-of-care assays) without sacrificing cost or ease of use.

It was discovered that hydrogel scaffolds can be used to induce phase separation as aqueous two-phase systems (ATPSs) pass through and/or rehydrate the scaffolds, allowing for concentration of target analyte(s) (e.g., biomolecule(s)) into a particular phase of the ATPS or into a leading front. Accordingly, in various embodiments methods and devices are provided that utilize aqueous two-phase systems and hydrogel scaffolds to improve the sensitivity of assays (e.g., of point-of-care assays) without sacrificing cost or ease of use.

A device for determining a cellular-bound analyte in a liquid sample includes a separation matrix with at least one indicator zone. The indicator zone includes a first antibody directed against the cellular-bound analyte or a fragment thereof and a binding element directed against the first antibody. The first antibody is an incomplete antibody. The separation matrix can be designed in the form of the membrane of a lateral flow assay device or as a gel matrix. For example, the device can include a membrane with a charging zone for applying the liquid sample, at least one indicator zone which can interact with the cellular-bound analyte, and at least one absorption region, which absorbs the liquid after passing the indicator zone. The indicator zone lies between the charging zone and the absorption region. The indicator zone can include an antibody directed against the cellular-bound analyte or a fragment thereof and a binding element directed against the first antibody.

A device for determining a cellular-bound analyte in a liquid sample includes a separation matrix with at least one indicator zone. The indicator zone includes a first antibody directed against the cellular-bound analyte or a fragment thereof and a binding element directed against the first antibody. The first antibody is an incomplete antibody. The separation matrix can be designed in the form of the membrane of a lateral flow assay device or as a gel matrix. For example, the device can include a membrane with a charging zone for applying the liquid sample, at least one indicator zone which can interact with the cellular-bound analyte, and at least one absorption region, which absorbs the liquid after passing the indicator zone. The indicator zone lies between the charging zone and the absorption region. The indicator zone can include an antibody directed against the cellular-bound analyte or a fragment thereof and a binding element directed against the first antibody.

According to one embodiment, a detection device includes a sensor element and a probe molecule. The probe molecule is immobilized at the sensor element. The probe molecule associates with a receptor exposed at a surface of a detection target. The sensor element detects cleavage of the receptor having associated with the probe molecule.

According to one embodiment, a detection device includes a sensor element and a probe molecule. The probe molecule is immobilized at the sensor element. The probe molecule associates with a receptor exposed at a surface of a detection target. The sensor element detects cleavage of the receptor having associated with the probe molecule.

An apparatus includes a surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensor. The SAW sensor includes a piezoelectric substrate. The SAW sensor also includes first and second interdigitating transistors over the piezoelectric substrate. The first interdigitating transistor is configured to convert an input electrical signal into an acoustic wave. The second interdigitating transistor is configured to convert the acoustic wave into an output electrical signal. The piezoelectric substrate is configured to transport the acoustic wave. The SAW sensor further includes a detection layer over the piezoelectric substrate and positioned at least partially between the first and second interdigitating transistors. The detection layer includes (i) antibodies configured to bind to one or more biological analytes and (ii) a hydrogel layer over the antibodies.

An apparatus includes a surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensor. The SAW sensor includes a piezoelectric substrate. The SAW sensor also includes first and second interdigitating transistors over the piezoelectric substrate. The first interdigitating transistor is configured to convert an input electrical signal into an acoustic wave. The second interdigitating transistor is configured to convert the acoustic wave into an output electrical signal. The piezoelectric substrate is configured to transport the acoustic wave. The SAW sensor further includes a detection layer over the piezoelectric substrate and positioned at least partially between the first and second interdigitating transistors. The detection layer includes (i) antibodies configured to bind to one or more biological analytes and (ii) a hydrogel layer over the antibodies.