Flow assay with at least one electrically-actuated fluid flow control valve and related methods

摘要

Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to flow assays including at least one electrically-actuated valve configured to control fluid flow. Methods of operating such flow assays are also disclosed.

主权项

1. A flow assay for detecting a presence of an analyte in a sample, the flow assay comprising:
at least one hydrophilic porous layer having a proximal end through which the sample can be introduced, a distal end spaced from the proximal end, a first side spaced from a second side, and a gap located between the proximal end and the distal end and located between the first side and the second side; at least one first hydrophobic layer disposed adjacent to the first side of the at least one hydrophilic porous layer to partially define the gap; at least one second hydrophobic layer disposed adjacent to the second side of the at least one hydrophilic porous layer to partially define the gap; a first electrode electrically coupled to the at least one first hydrophobic layer and separated from the at least one hydrophilic porous layer by the at least one first hydrophobic layer; a second electrode electrically coupled to the at least one second hydrophobic layer and separated from the at least one hydrophilic porous layer by the at least one second hydrophobic layer; and a power source electrically coupled to the first and second electrodes, the power source configured to generate a voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode to enable at least the analyte to flow across the gap of the at least one hydrophilic porous layer.