Development of an AC Electrokinetics Capacitive Sensing Platform for Rapid and Sensitive Bioparticles Detection
Grade Level at Time of Presentation
Junior
Major
Electrical/Computer Engineering Technology
2nd Grade Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
2nd Student Major
Electrical/Computer Engineering Technology
Institution
Morehead State University
KY House District #
96; 99
KY Senate District #
18; 27
Faculty Advisor/ Mentor
Dr. Cheng
Department
Department of Engineering and Technology Management
Abstract
Capacitive bioaffinity detection using microelectrodes is considered as a promising label-free method for point-of-care (POC) diagnosis, though with challenges in sensitivity and the time “from sample to result.” It has a wide range of applications in areas such as medical science, diagnostics, and pharmacology. Quantitative detection of protein biomarkers in biological media is critically important in detecting disease or physiological malfunction, or tracking disease progression. Among various detection methods, electrical detection is particularly well suited for POC specific protein detection, being of low cost, light weight and small form factor. With recent development in AC electrokinetics (ACEK), especially in dielectrophoresis (DEP), we are able to develop an ACEK enhanced capacitive bioaffinity sensing method to realize simple, fast and sensitive diagnosis from biological samples. In this work, a low cost and portable sensing platform with good accuracy is developed to use with ACEK capacitive sensing to produce a true POC technology. The development of a board-level capacitance readout system is presented, as well as the adaption of the protocol for use with ACEK capacitive sensing. Further, the sensing platform can be readily expanded for multichannel monitoring and telecommunication capabilities.
Development of an AC Electrokinetics Capacitive Sensing Platform for Rapid and Sensitive Bioparticles Detection
Capacitive bioaffinity detection using microelectrodes is considered as a promising label-free method for point-of-care (POC) diagnosis, though with challenges in sensitivity and the time “from sample to result.” It has a wide range of applications in areas such as medical science, diagnostics, and pharmacology. Quantitative detection of protein biomarkers in biological media is critically important in detecting disease or physiological malfunction, or tracking disease progression. Among various detection methods, electrical detection is particularly well suited for POC specific protein detection, being of low cost, light weight and small form factor. With recent development in AC electrokinetics (ACEK), especially in dielectrophoresis (DEP), we are able to develop an ACEK enhanced capacitive bioaffinity sensing method to realize simple, fast and sensitive diagnosis from biological samples. In this work, a low cost and portable sensing platform with good accuracy is developed to use with ACEK capacitive sensing to produce a true POC technology. The development of a board-level capacitance readout system is presented, as well as the adaption of the protocol for use with ACEK capacitive sensing. Further, the sensing platform can be readily expanded for multichannel monitoring and telecommunication capabilities.