Optical reader device for multiplexed diagnostic systems and methods of use

An apparatus for performing analyte detection, wherein the apparatus comprises:

• a microfluidic cartridge;
• at least a fluid located within the microfluidic cartridge;
• an optoelectronic reader device, the optoelectronic reader device comprising:
• a microfluidic subassembly comprising:
• a microfluidic pump, the microfluidic pump configured to route the flow of at least a fluid, wherein the at least a fluid contains an analyte;
• and
• at least a reservoir configured to contain the at least a fluid;
• an optics subassembly, the optics subassembly comprising:
• a silica planar-waveguide beam splitter configured for multiplexed diagnostics, wherein the waveguide beam splitter is configured to split the at least one light source into a plurality of light beams having differing power outputs
• an optical device having at least one light source directed at the at least a fluid;
• and
• a sensor device configured to sense the at least a fluid and detect at least an optical property of the analyte;
• and
• a portable device, wherein the portable device is configured for point of care diagnostics.

A method for analyte detection, the method comprising:

• receiving a microfluidic cartridge containing at least a fluid and an optoelectronic reader device, the optoelectronic reader device comprising:
• a microfluidic subassembly comprising:
• a microfluidic pump, the microfluidic pump configured to route the flow of at least a fluid, wherein the at least a fluid contains an analyte;
• and
• at least a reservoir configured to contain the at least a fluid;
• an optics subassembly, the optics subassembly comprising:
• a silica planar-waveguide beam splitter configured for multiplexed diagnostics, wherein the waveguide beam splitter is configured to split the at least one light source into a plurality of light beams having differing power outputs
• an optical device having at least one light source directed at the at least a fluid;
• and
• a sensor device configured to sense the at least a fluid and detect at least an optical property of the analyte;
• flowing, using the microfluidic subassembly, the at least a fluid through the at least a reservoir;
• and
• emitting, using the optical device, the at least one light source onto the fluid;
• and
• sensing, using the sensor device, the optical property of the at least a fluid, wherein the optoelectronic reader device is a portable device configured for point of care diagnostics.