Digital microfluidics platform with integrated fluorescence sensor for high-throughput drug discovery screening
A semi-automated digital microfluidics (DMF) platform with an integrated fluorescence sensor for enzyme activity and transporter assays in drug discovery. Achieves plate-reader sensitivity at reaction volumes below 5 microliters, enabling compound screening with reduced reagent consumption and automated mixing, incubation, and readout workflows.
Overview
This digital microfluidics (DMF) platform integrates an on-chip fluorescence sensor to enable semi-automated, high-throughput screening for drug discovery applications. The system performs enzyme activity and transporter assays using reaction volumes below 5 microliters while delivering fluorescence sensitivity comparable to a conventional Tecan plate reader. By automating droplet generation, reagent mixing, temperature-controlled incubation, and fluorescence readout, the platform simplifies the identification of active compounds in complex mixtures and reduces the cost and labor associated with traditional screening workflows.
The technology is being developed to screen for inhibitors and activators of SGLT1 and GLUT5 transporters, with broader applicability to protein-protein interaction assays and other fluorescence-based biochemical screens. Its reduced reagent consumption and streamlined protocol make it attractive for compound library screening where sample availability or cost is limiting.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Digital microfluidics architecture enabling precise control of discrete droplets for reagent handling
- Integrated fluorescence sensor with sensitivity comparable to a commercial Tecan plate reader
- Reaction volumes under 5 microliters, substantially reducing reagent and compound consumption
- On-board heating capability up to 65 degrees Celsius for temperature-controlled incubation
- Automated protocols for droplet creation, mixing, transport to the observation port, and fluorescence readout
- Validated performance in Alpha screen protein-protein interaction assays
Planned assay development:
- Establishment of SGLT1 and GLUT5 transporter assays on the DMF chip
- Validation using known inhibitors and activators as reference benchmarks
- Application to screening natural product or compound extract libraries for bioactive constituents
Technology readiness level
The platform has completed proof-of-concept validation, with demonstrated fluorescence sensitivity exceeding that of a standard plate reader in protein assays and successful execution of automated droplet workflows including mixing, elevated-temperature incubation, and integrated readout. Current development is focused on establishing SGLT1 and GLUT5 transporter assays on the chip, an effort expected to require three to six months, followed by validation with known reference compounds within one to two months. Library screening campaigns will follow once these assay validations are complete, with throughput dependent on the size of the extract or compound library to be evaluated.
About Oregon State University
Oregon State University is a comprehensive public research university and Oregon’s land‑grant institution, with a main campus in Corvallis and a statewide footprint. Industry partners tap a statewide Extension network and county offices to pilot and scale solutions with communities and companies across Oregon. A coastal marine science campus in Newport anchors ocean research and provides access to open‑ocean wave‑energy test ranges and grid‑connected infrastructure under development nearby, enabling sea‑to‑shore prototyping. Field stations and university‑managed research forests support long‑term trials and product validation in real‑world environments. A dedicated technology transfer office and the OSU Advantage programs—including the Advantage Accelerator—streamline IP, licensing, startup formation, and industry agreements.
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