Ischemic stroke represents a global health issue, being one of the main causes of death and disability, affecting approximately 15 million people every year [1]. Numerous clinical studies have revealed a strong correlation between brain damage caused by ischemia and elevated iron levels in the affected tissues [2]. In this context, transferrin (Tf), a key protein involved in iron transport and metabolism, has emerged as an important biomarker. In particular, the transferrin saturation (TSAT) ratio, defined as the proportion of transferrin-bound iron (Tf-bound iron) to the total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), has emerged as a critical parameter in the diagnosis and monitoring of conditions such as anemia and ischemia [3]. Recent advancements in micro- and nanotechnologies have facilitated the development of smart biosensors and advanced analytical tools. Among these, additive manufacturing, particularly 3D printing, has gained significant traction due to its affordability, versatility, and customizability. Indeed, electrochemical microfluidic devices produced using 3D printing (3D-EMDs) are emerging as promising tools for the development of the next generation of point-of-care testing (POCT) devices [4]. In the present study, we report on the development of a 3D-printed electrochemical microfluidic device for the assessment of transferrin saturation (TSAT). The device has been designed and manufactured to integrate the immunoassay step, a crucial component in isolating transferrin from serum samples. This innovation addresses a key challenge in this field, which has limited the development of smart analytical devices. The 3D device thanks to its tailor-made design incorporates the immunoassay procedure, enabling the simultaneous electrochemical detection of Tf-bound iron and TIBC. This approach allowed for accurate TSAT assessment in serum samples obtained from patients diagnosed with ischemic stroke. The results obtained with the 3D-EMDs are extremely encouraging, combining cost-effectiveness, integration of complex analytical steps, and ease of use, contributing to the advancement in the field of decentralized medicine and personalized healthcare, in the context of ischemic stroke diagnosis and management.
Microfluidic 3D-printed electrochemical device for ischemic stroke point-of-care testing
Davide Paolini;Flavio Della Pelle;Dario Compagnone;
2025-01-01
Abstract
Ischemic stroke represents a global health issue, being one of the main causes of death and disability, affecting approximately 15 million people every year [1]. Numerous clinical studies have revealed a strong correlation between brain damage caused by ischemia and elevated iron levels in the affected tissues [2]. In this context, transferrin (Tf), a key protein involved in iron transport and metabolism, has emerged as an important biomarker. In particular, the transferrin saturation (TSAT) ratio, defined as the proportion of transferrin-bound iron (Tf-bound iron) to the total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), has emerged as a critical parameter in the diagnosis and monitoring of conditions such as anemia and ischemia [3]. Recent advancements in micro- and nanotechnologies have facilitated the development of smart biosensors and advanced analytical tools. Among these, additive manufacturing, particularly 3D printing, has gained significant traction due to its affordability, versatility, and customizability. Indeed, electrochemical microfluidic devices produced using 3D printing (3D-EMDs) are emerging as promising tools for the development of the next generation of point-of-care testing (POCT) devices [4]. In the present study, we report on the development of a 3D-printed electrochemical microfluidic device for the assessment of transferrin saturation (TSAT). The device has been designed and manufactured to integrate the immunoassay step, a crucial component in isolating transferrin from serum samples. This innovation addresses a key challenge in this field, which has limited the development of smart analytical devices. The 3D device thanks to its tailor-made design incorporates the immunoassay procedure, enabling the simultaneous electrochemical detection of Tf-bound iron and TIBC. This approach allowed for accurate TSAT assessment in serum samples obtained from patients diagnosed with ischemic stroke. The results obtained with the 3D-EMDs are extremely encouraging, combining cost-effectiveness, integration of complex analytical steps, and ease of use, contributing to the advancement in the field of decentralized medicine and personalized healthcare, in the context of ischemic stroke diagnosis and management.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
