Multifunctional self-driven origami paper-based integrated microfluidic chip to detect CRP and PAB in whole blood

Gastrointestinal fistula, a complication of gastrointestinal cancer surgery, has a high mortality rate. Detection of both C-reactive protein (CRP) and prealbumin (PAB) is advantageous in the auxiliary diagnosis of postoperative complications. However, traditional detection methods are not capable of on-site rapid detection. In an attempt to overcome these challenges, a multifunctional origami-paper-based device (ePADs) was developed to simultaneously detect CRP and PAB in whole blood. After integration, functionalization, and modification, the electrochemical dual-parameter device was capable of separating blood cells and detecting target analytes. The plasma separation performance revealed a sample diffusion time of 75 s for a whole blood sample volume of 73.3 mu L. The efficiency of the device in separating blood cells was 99.91%. Electrochemical results showed that the multifunctional device exhibited linearity between 5 pg mL-1 and 1 mu g mL(-1) for CRP (R-2 = 0.990), and between 10 pg mL-1 and 1 mu g mL(-1) for PAB (R-2 = 0.998). The limits of detection for CRP and PAB were 5 and 10 pg mL(-1,) respectively (S/N = 3). We also successfully evaluated the accuracy of the dual-parameter device with clinical whole blood samples. Based on these results, the multifunctional device can facilitate clinical detection and provide a new platform for domestic point-of-care testing.

Automated summary

A multifunctional origami-paper-based device was developed for simultaneous detection of CRP and PAB in gastrointestinal cancer surgery. The device showed efficient blood cell separation and exhibited good linearity and low detection limits in electrochemical detection. Clinical evaluation confirmed the accuracy of the device.