Microfluidic immunoassay for alveolar cell released interleukin-8 using a braille display for computer-controlled fluid actuation

We have developed a self-contained, connectorless, automated microfluidic immunoassay system to detect and quantify levels of Interleukin (IL)-8, an important cytokine involved in the inflammatory response. In our microfluidic system, liquid flow is controlled using the pins of a commercially available, refreshable Braille display that act as small mechanical actuators. The successful development of such a microsystem will prove beneficial in both the early diagnosis and treatment of various disease states. Integration of the microfluidic immunoassay system with cell culture can provide a novel, self-contained device to analyze the by-products of chemically stimulated cells in a controlled microenvironment.