Improving the Speed and Performance of Point-of-Care Diagnostics with Microfluidics

Author: Schlappi, Travis Stratton

Year: 2018

Degree: Dissertation (Ph.D.)

Advisor: Ismagilov, Rustem

Committee Members: Ismagilov, Rustem F.; Shapiro, Mikhail G.; Tirrell, David A.; Kornfield, Julia A.

Option: Chemical Engineering

DOI: 10.7907/Z9K935Q6

Abstract

Microfluidic devices play an important role in improving global health because they reduce the study of biological phenomena into physiological scales and lay the foundation for point-of-care (POC) diagnostics. Health is improved and lives are saved because POC diagnostics can enable earlier diagnosis of diseases and therefore more effective treatment. Accurate and available diagnostics also prevent accelerated drug resistance that stems from overtreatment or mistreatment with antibiotics, which is projected to cause up to $100 trillion in lost economic output and 10 million deaths by 2050. This work details new diagnostic assays and theoretical analysis of microfluidic devices that can be implemented at the point-of-care to improve global health.

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