Microfluidic-based Biochip-integrated Multiplex Assay Devices for Rapid Biomarkers Detection

Mar 4, 2025 · 1 min read
projects

Project Description

This research project focuses on developing microfluidic-based biochips for rapid biomarker detection in point-of-care (POC) applications. The platform integrates blood-plasma separation, controlled microfluidic transport, and capacitance-based biosensing into a compact system designed to reduce sample-processing requirements and detection time.

A key component of the project is the design and fabrication of microchannels for the passive separation of plasma from whole blood. The microfluidic architecture is engineered to regulate sample flow, minimize cellular interference, and deliver plasma efficiently to the sensing region without relying on bulky external separation equipment.

The sensing platform employs functionalized interdigitated electrodes to detect target biomarkers through changes in electrical capacitance. The electrode geometry, surface functionalization, and microchannel configuration are optimized to enhance sensitivity, specificity, signal stability, and reproducibility while requiring only a small sample volume (finger pirck blood).

This research aims to establish a rapid, compact, and minimally invasive diagnostic platform that can support decentralized biomarker testing. By combining microfluidic sample preparation with capacitance-based sensing, the project contributes to the development of accessible POC technologies for clinical screening, disease monitoring, and early diagnosis.

We are currently focused on the early detection of Ovarian Cancer (CA 125, HE4) and Alzheimer’s disease (Aβ40, Aβ42, p-tau).

Microfluidic Biochip Passive Separation of Blood Plasma Microchannel Design & Fabrication Interdigitated Electrodes Capacitance-Based Sensing
Niladri Talukder
Authors
Niladri Talukder
Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering
Niladri Talukder, Ph.D., is a Mechanical Engineer specializing in functional nanomaterials for electrochemical and thermal energy systems, and microfluic-based biochip-embedded POC devices. His work focuses on the synthesis, advanced characterization, and performance evaluation of nanostructured materials and composite systems for applications in batteries, fuel cells, thermal energy storage systems, and biochips for ultra-low level biomarkers and particles detection. His work emphasizes understanding structure–property–performance relationships to improve material stability, durability, and overall efficiency. Through experimental materials engineering and robust performance analysis, he contributes to the development of advanced materials for sustainable energy systems and dignostic/detection technologies. His research findings have been published in leading peer-reviewed scientific journals.