Simplifying microfluidic separation devices towards field-detection of blood parasites

Abstract

With our sights set on a simple and inexpensive diagnostics device based on extraction and enrichment of parasites from human blood, we present a device design that relies on a combination of multiple different deterministic lateral displacement arrays. Our end goal is a microfluidic device that will be easy to use in the rural, resource-deprived areas where simple-to-use medical tools are crucially needed for rapid and accurate diagnosis. Here, we exemplify this in the application of blood parasite enrichment from a sample of blood. With trypanosomes as a model system we show a combination of functionalities designed into a single device based on several deterministic lateral displacement arrays of different depths arranged in series. With only one inlet and no expensive or complicated pumping mechanisms to run separations we ensure the level of simplicity necessary for field use.