Compact bead array sensor system uses laminar fluidic forces for analyte detection

U.S. Navy scientists have invented a technique to improve the performance of a biochemical binding assay. Using fluidic force discrimination (FFD), non-specifically bound molecules are removed according to their binding strength. Appropriate for use in forensics, agriculture, medical diagnostics, food, and water safety, and anti-terrorism, the patented technology is available via license agreement to companies that would make, use, or sell it commercially.

A need exists for a simple, uniform way to controllably remove undesirable molecules in binding assays. In response, Navy scientists have developed a highly sensitive technique to capture a target molecule labeled with a detectable micrometer-scale particle by specific molecular recognition.

Using set ranges of label sizes and laminar flow conditions, controlled fluidic forces are applied to selectively remove molecules, increasing the ratio of specifically bound labels to non-specifically bound labels. This approach works with a variety of label types and detection methods, improving the sensitivity and selectivity of a broad range of binding assays.

The rapid, yet extremely simple biosensor system detects a wide range of biomolecules at attomolar concentrations (10-18 moles/liter or about 30 analyte, or target, molecules/drop of liquid). The compact Bead Array Sensor System (cBASS®) captures, labels, discriminates and detects target species using magnetic microbeads, fluidic force discrimination™ (FFD), and a Bead ARray Counter (BARC®) sensor microchip.

A multiplexed FFD assay can be performed in as little as 10 minutes using only two reagent mixtures and three assay steps.  Assays are adaptable for extraction, pre-concentration, and identification of a wide range of analytes in complex sample matrices for a variety of applications.