High-temporal-resolution point-of-care multiplex biomarker monitoring in small animals using microfluidic digital ELISA

Time-course monitoring of blood biomarkers with rapid turnaround has the potential to revolutionize the diagnosis, stratification of phenotypes, and therapeutic/prognostic approaches for various acute inflammatory diseases in both clinical and preclinical studies. Current approaches, however, are hampered by slow turnaround times and large sample volume requirements, limiting the exploration of disease mechanisms and therapeutic strategies. Here, we developed a microfluidic digital ELISA platform prototype, combining single-molecule counting with whole blood assay capability for the first time from small animal models. This platform is automated and enables repeated, rapid biomarker monitoring with just 3.5 {micro}L of whole blood collected from the tail. Our platform demonstrated high sensitivity and multiplexity, allowing real-time cytokine profiling within a 2-hour turnaround. Using a murine sepsis model, we achieved precise temporal monitoring of cytokine levels, demonstrating prognostic capability by correlating early-stage cytokine levels with a liver-injury biomarker. This microfluidic platform enables high temporal resolution and rapid monitoring of biomarker dynamics in a single mouse using freshly collected whole blood, significantly reducing the number of animals needed for preclinical studies. This technology has strong potential to transform ICU therapeutic strategies and preclinical research, enabling personalized treatment based on real-time biomarker profiles.