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Design of a Portable and Affordable Biosensor Platform Device
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- Author / Creator
- Bai, Songtian
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Metabolomics is a rapidly growing field that focuses on identifying and measuring
the collection of chemicals present within a biological system. These chemicals, known as
metabolites, play a crucial role in the functioning of the body and can provide valuable
insights into various physiological processes. As a result, metabolomics studies have been
utilized in a wide range of health monitoring applications, including screening for earlystage cancer. Traditionally, high-end analytical chemistry tools such as a
spectrophotometer have been used to measure metabolites in biological samples through
the application of colorimetry. These instruments, however, are typically expensive and
require skilled technicians to operate. Due to these limitations, they are usually found in
centralized labs and are not suitable for in-clinic or bedside use. Teaming up with
researchers across the world, the research group I am a part of is attempting to address
the issue of colorectal cancer screening in developing countries. Finally, we exceeded the
requirements and developed a low-cost, hand-held, point-of-care optical sensor platform
for general colorimetric-based metabolomic testing applications. This platform is
equipped with a 3D printed light-tight case that contains light-emitting diodes (LED),
sensors, microcontrollers, and a Bluetooth chip for wireless communications to an
Android tablet. The performance of this sensor is evaluated using a colorimetric
creatinine assay. Creatinine, a metabolite used to normalize urinary metabolite
concentrations, was assayed using the Jaffe reaction, a commonly used method in
laboratory settings. First, the color sensors were evaluated for stability using yellowcolored water that mimicked the Jaffe reaction color product. Next, the sensor was tested
for accuracy using the Jaffe creatinine-picrate complex, which produced yellow-orange
colored products. The sensor was able to detect creatinine concentrations ranging from
3.80 mM to 50.28 mM, which is well within the physiological range expected in human
urine. When compared to a spectrophotometer, which is considered the gold standard for
this type of analysis, the sensor was found to be highly accurate. The sensor was able to
accurately measure creatinine standards and high, medium, and low concentrations of
spiked urine samples. One of the major advantages of this sensor is its cost-effectiveness
and ease of use. Additionally, the sensor can be expanded to measure other metabolites
via colorimetric assays, further increasing its versatility and utility in a wide range of
applications. Furthermore, this thesis will address the developed workstation device on
which the sensor can be mounted, and this device will serve as an assistant in the
metabolite assay process by automating major steps that could be time-consuming or
experience-dependent. Overall, this low-cost, hand-held, point-of-care optical sensor
platform has the potential to revolutionize the field of metabolomics by providing a simple,
cost-effective, and reliable method for measuring metabolites in biological samples. This
can greatly benefit the medical field by providing a more accessible and efficient way of
performing diagnostic tests, ultimately improving patient outcomes. -
- Subjects / Keywords
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- Graduation date
- Fall 2023
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- Type of Item
- Thesis
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- Degree
- Master of Science
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- License
- This thesis is made available by the University of Alberta Libraries with permission of the copyright owner solely for non-commercial purposes. This thesis, or any portion thereof, may not otherwise be copied or reproduced without the written consent of the copyright owner, except to the extent permitted by Canadian copyright law.