Integrated microcapillary system for microfluidic parasite analysis

Abstract

We present the use of a simple microfluidic technique to detect living parasites from veterinarian blood using monolithic polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) structures. Several blood borne parasites such as dirofilariosis or Lyme disease can be observed by this microcapillary system. Inside this microfluidic device a special flow-through separator structure has been implemented, which contains a cylindrical Active Zone, where the microfilariae or other few micron-size pathogens remain trapped. The center region is partially surrounded by rectangular cross-section shaped microcapillaries. The developed test can be optimized for a specific nematode or pathogen detection by adjusting the capillary width.