E. Lee, J. Diao, C-Y Lee
University of Cincinnati,
United States
Keywords: biofield-programmable gate array, microfluidic system, loop-mediated isothermal amplification
Summary:
The BioField-Programmable Gate Array (BioFPGA) represents a transformative advancement in diagnostic technology. These platforms integrate programmable microfluidic systems, thermal control, and multi-modal sensing capabilities to address critical challenges in biomedical diagnostics. This study presents significant enhancements to BioFPGA technology by optimizing control algorithms and electrode configurations. These advancements aim to achieve scalable, cost-effective platforms that support a wide array of applications, including nucleic acid amplification, pathogen detection, and multiplexed assays. Unlike conventional diagnostic tools, BioFPGAs provide real-time fluidic control and on-chip data processing, enabling faster, more precise diagnostics. Our innovations include adaptive control algorithms for improved fluid handling, reduced power consumption through optimized electrode switching, and dual-mode sensing that combines electrical and optical detection modalities. These features establish BioFPGA as a highly versatile platform capable of performing complex biochemical assays with minimal user intervention. We validate the utility of the enhanced BioFPGA platform using a combination of experimental demonstrations and real-world diagnostic scenarios. The system achieves precise fluid manipulation and thermal regulation through programmable electrodes while ensuring high sensitivity in capacitance measurements. Figure 1 highlights the BioFPGA prototype's design, which integrates a Raspberry Pi controller, disposable biochips, and imaging modules for multi-modal diagnostics. Our results demonstrate rapid pathogen detection and nucleic acid amplification on the BioFPGA platform. For instance, loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assays for Escherichia coli detection achieved positive results in under 15 minutes, as illustrated in the accompanying gel electrophoresis images (see Figure 2). SARS-CoV-2 detection was conducted by our team, as detailed in Wang, Yuxin, et al., 2023. These outcomes showcase the platform's ability to deliver real-time, high-accuracy diagnostics in a compact, portable format. The enhanced BioFPGA platform also facilitates cost-effective testing by reducing reagent volumes and minimizing operational overhead. Its modular architecture supports easy reconfiguration for diverse applications, including personalized medicine, environmental monitoring, and high-throughput drug screening. These features position BioFPGA as a cornerstone technology for next-generation diagnostics, addressing unmet clinical needs with unparalleled efficiency and scalability.