Reagent integration and controlled release for multiplexed nucleic acid testing in disposable thermoplastic 2D microwell arrays

Abstract

The seamless integration of reagents into microfluidic devices can serve to significantly reduce assay complexity and cost for disposable diagnostics. In this work, the integration of multiplexed reagents into thermoplastic 2D microwell arrays is demonstrated using a scalable pin spotting technique. Using a simple and low-cost narrow-bore capillary spotting pin, high resolution deposition of concentrated reagents within the arrays of enclosed nanoliter-scale wells is achieved. The pin spotting method is further employed to encapsulate the deposited reagents with a chemically modified wax layer that serves to prevent disruption of the dried assay components during sample introduction through a shared microchannel, while also enabling temperature-controlled release after sample filling is complete. This approach supports the arbitrary patterning and release of different reagents within individual wells without crosstalk for multiplexed analyses. The performance of the in-well spotting technique is characterized using on-chip rolling circle amplification to evaluate its potential for nucleic acid-based diagnostics.