A Microfluidic Cartridge-Based Detection System for Allergen-Specific Immunoglobulin E

Begin with a microfluidic cartridge equipped with storage tanks and unidirectional pumps that deliver reagents through channels into a reaction zone.

The reaction zone contains multiple spots immobilized with distinct allergens.

Load wash buffer, blocking buffer, peroxidase-conjugated secondary antibodies, and a chemiluminescent peroxidase substrate into the designated tanks.

Add a serum sample containing allergen-specific immunoglobulin E or IgE.

Initiate the analysis inside a chemiluminescence analyzer.

Within the reaction zone, the blocking buffer flows and blocks non-specific interaction sites.

The introduction of serum allows the IgEs to interact with the immobilized allergens.

Washing eliminates unbound IgEs.

Next, peroxidase-conjugated secondary antibodies flow in and interact with the immobilized IgEs.

Subsequent washing removes unbound antibodies.

The analyzer then introduces the chemiluminescent substrate and hydrogen  peroxide .

The peroxidase oxidizes the substrate, emitting luminescence .

The luminescence intensity in each spot provides a quantifiable indication of distinct allergen-specific IgEs in the serum.