Biomarker detection using integrated purification-detection devices

A method comprising:

• isolating target particles from other particles included in a biological fluid sample using a separation unit comprising nanoscale deterministic lateral displacement arrays formed on a microfluidic chip in fluid communication with an inlet bus formed around a perimeter of a first side of the nanoscale deterministic displacement arrays;
• collecting, as a result of the isolating, the target particles in an outlet bus formed on a second side of the nanoscale deterministic displacement arrays opposite the first side;
• and
• driving flow of a buffer fluid comprising the target particles from the outlet bus to a sensing element of the microfluidic chip configured to facilitate detecting presence of one or more biomarkers associated with the target particles, wherein the outlet bus surrounds the detection unit and supplies the particles of interest onto the sensing element.

A system, comprising:

• a microfluidic chip comprising:
• a separation unit that isolates target particles from other particles included in a biological fluid sample in association with flow of the biological sample fluid through nanoscale deterministic lateral displacement arrays in fluid communication with an inlet bus formed around a perimeter of a first side of the nanoscale deterministic displacement arrays;
• and
• a detection unit that receives the target particles as contained within buffer fluid supplied from an outlet bus in fluid communication with the nanoscale deterministic displacement arrays, wherein the detection unit comprises a sensing element configured to chemically react with one or more biomarkers associated with target particles in association with flow of the buffer fluid over the sensing element, and wherein the outlet bus surrounds the detection unit.