Total internal reflection fluorescence-based optical biochip for the detection of immunosuppressants in transplanted patients

When dealing with transplanted patient treatment, therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) represents one of the most crucial aspects for the individualization of the correct dosage of immunosuppressants, in order to ensure an appropriate medical treatment and avoid the rejection of the transplanted organ. A new Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence (TIRF) based optical biochip for the detection of immunosuppressants in transplanted patients and suitable for point of care testing (POCT) was designed. As first integration of a binding inhibition immunoassay with the optical biochip, a mycophenolic acid assay was performed on the prototype chip.