BACKGROUND
Miniature, cost-effective devices for sample separation have long been desired for medical diagnostics as well as analysis in areas such as process control and environmental monitoring. Traditional sample separation methods such as centrifugation, solvent extraction, and liquid-liquid phase separation require complex instrumentation and processing. These techniques are also costly and oftentimes require a dedicated lab, resulting in access difficulties for rural areas and developing nations.
SUMMARY OF TECHNOLOGY
Researchers at OSU have developed a novel method to separate liquids from microliter droplets. By using selective liquid transport on open substrates, this technique offers a simple, low-cost solution to separate analytes for analytic assays such as cholesterol analysis and pesticide testing. Unlike traditional methods, this novel sample preparation technique is less expensive and requires far less sample volume for a successful gather. In addition to the wide range of point-of-care analyses for which this method could be employed, this novel technique will increase access to diagnostics in rural areas or developing nations.
POTENTIAL AREAS OF APPLICATION
MAIN ADVANTAGES
STAGE OF DEVELOPMENT