Massively parallel concentration device for multiplexed immunoassays

A massively parallel nanofluidic concentration device array for multiplexed and high-throughput biomolecule detection is demonstrated. By optimizing the microchannel/nanojunction design and channel conductivity, an array of up to 128 nanofluidic concentration devices were fabricated. Operation of the entire array requires only one inlet and one outlet reservoir, with the application of a single operational voltage bias across them. Concentration efficiencies of the devices were found to be uniform within the array, within 5% error. Alternatively, concentration speed in each channel can be individually tuned by controlling the length of the inlet microchannel and thus controlling the flow rate based on change of the tangential electric field. This allows immuno-binding reactions at different concentration ranges to be performed in parallel. Using multiplexed, successive-concentration enhanced detection in the device, we have shown that the dynamic range and reliability of the immunoassay can be significantly increased.