USE OF MICROFLUIDIC DEVICE FOR IDENTIFICATION, QUANTIFICATION, AND AUTHENTICATION OF LATENT MARKERS

摘要

Devices and methods for identification, authentication, and quantification of one or more covert markers contained in a material are disclosed. A device includes a microfluidic cell, a liquid transfer system, and a detector system and is an integrated unit providing an automated, in-line process for identifying one or more materials containing at least one latent marker that may transform into an active form. The microfluidic cell is for receiving a material containing a latent marker and has at least one inlet for receiving one or more liquids and one or more outlets through which liquids exit. The liquid transfer system is operably connected to the microfluidic cell and delivers liquids to the microfluidic cell. The detector system, which may include a source and a sensor, is proximate to the outlets for detecting the active form of the marker. With the device, a number of independent processing and analytic steps are combined onto a single, portable unit.