Molecular quantification in digital health diagnostic cd with surface modifications
This thesis aims to document the experimental quantification of molecules on top of a common compact disc (CD) using the ubiquitous and inexpensive technology of a CD drive. To illustrate the concept, glucose is chosen as the target molecule and a colorimetric enzymatic glucose assay is carried out on top of a modified CD. Test strips, similar to the ones used for blood glucose monitoring, are incorporated on top of a CD with audio files burned on it. When a substance containing glucose is dropped onto the strip the resulting change in optical density is proportional to glucose concentration. Using the laser light, optical pickup and the error detection and correction protocol present in all CD drives, this change in optical density and hence the concentration of glucose in the sample are determined quantitatively. The resulting potential “CD glucose meter” can be a cost-effective, mass-deployable, point-of-care tool for rapid blood glucose monitoring and the diagnosis of diabetes. This CD based method for molecular quantification is independent of the type of target molecule and the concept can hence be extended for quantifying other important molecules and carrying out other diagnostic tests in a multiplexed arrangement.
Molecular quantification, Point-of-care diagnostics, Compact disc based sensing
University of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign
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University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign