Grants and Contributions:

Grant or Award spanning more than one fiscal year (2017-2018 to 2018-2019).

Immunosensors are very known among different types of biosensors for rapid diagnosis of biomarkers in bodilyx000D
fluids. The label-format of immunosensors allows for flexible implementation of biosensing in a wide range ofx000D
detection schemes. However, these systems are limited in very high sensitive detection of minutes of moleculesx000D
in complex biological samples. There is also a trade-off in the time, cost and additional steps associated withx000D
incorporating reporter molecules into the label-based process. Moreover, the use of optical detection systems inx000D
point-of-care devices has one more constraint in detection of multiple biomarkers simultaneously in a singlex000D
multiplexed biosensor as they require an external light source, optical transducer and other optical componentsx000D
like lenses and reflectors, which makes the detection system bulky and complex. Among various types ofx000D
label-free detection techniques, the electrochemical sensing is the simplest to integrate, highly sensitive andx000D
more compatible with multiplexing and integration into microfluidics, which makes it ideal for point-of-carex000D
diagnosis.x000D
In this work, we will develop an integrated and autonomous microfluidic-based biosensor for rapid detection ofx000D
brain injury biomarkers. A new bonding technology will be developed to adhere electrodes to microfluidicx000D
layers noninvasively to enable efficient performance of electrodes and point-of-care detection of biomarkers. Ifx000D
successful, the microfluidic nano-biosensor proposed in this work will be used for rapid diagnosis of threex000D
different biomarkers of brain injury in blood samples of patients in less than an hour. The expertise of thex000D
applicant in microfluidics and biosensors ensures the success of this project.x000D
Sensoreal Inc. will benefit from label-free biosensors to extend the application of their technology for rapid andx000D
automated detection of multiple biomarkers in human biological samples using a point-of-care diagnosticx000D
technology. The lower cost and predictive point of care sensors will enable the rapid and large scale diseasex000D
screening and facilitate monitoring the efficacy of therapeutics, therefore benefit the health system in Canada.