Systems and methods for capture and detection of low copy targets from large sample volumes

A method of detecting copies of a target molecule within a sample volume, comprising:

• providing a detection structure, including:
• a microfluidic chip having a base surface, an inlet aperture formed in the base surface, and a plurality of pillars extending from the base surface, wherein surfaces of the pillars define a plurality of channels, and wherein at least some of the dim are surrounded by channels included in the plurality of channels;
• passing the sample volume through the detection structure, wherein at least some of the copies of the target molecule within the sample volume become attached to at least some of the surfaces of the pillars, and wherein the at least some surfaces of the pillars have an affinity for the target molecule;
• passing a plurality of identification particles through the detection structure, wherein at least some of the identification particles become attached to the copies of the target molecule attached to the at least some of the surfaces of the pillars;
• illuminating an area encompassing the plurality of channels;
• and
• imaging the area encompassing the plurality of channels, wherein a number of the identification particles that are attached to the copies of the target molecules attached to the at least some of the surfaces of the pillars are detected by the imaging, and wherein the number of identification particles corresponds to a number of copies of the target molecule within the sample volume.