533f Rapid Assessment of Markers in Serum Using Biomems ELISA

Robert T. Larsen, University of Illinois, 600 S. Matthews Ave., Urbana, IL 61801 and Richard I. Masel, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois, 600 S. Mathews St., Urbana, IL 61801.

Over 6 million patients/year present at hospitals with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). A rapid diagnostic using cardiac markers would allow for improved diagnosis of AMI. Currently cardiac markers are analyzed by a lab-based ELISA method which takes about 2 hours. Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) based analyzers have the potential to complete rapid, inexpensive, on-site diagnostics. The authors' current work involves development of an ELISA based micro blood analyzer to measure cardiac fatty acid binding protein (cFABP) with rapid AMI diagnosis in mind. The technique, however, is readily generalized to a variety of markers. The MEMS based ELISA system allows for assessment of cFABP in less than 10 minutes with good sensitivity using a portable reader.