A microfluidic magnetic bead-based proximity ligation assay device for the quantification of TNF-α in human plasma

The prevalence of autoimmune diseases affect millions of patients worldwide and its incidence has increased over the years. Here we report on the use of a microfluidic device and homemade portable integrated real-time PCR (qPCR) device for the quantification of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) at the point-of-care (POC). Our device is a disposable cyclic polyolefin (COP)-based microfluidic chip, and the assay is a magnetic bead-based proximity ligation assay. The data presented herein show on-chip TNF-α quantification within the clinically relevant range of 5-100 pg/ml in both buffer and human plasma. Further development could lead to a potential method for monitoring anti-inflammatory therapy.