Software based bioassay quantization using standard optical disc drives

This thesis describes the application of the compact disc technology as a rapid, low-cost, high capacity-screening platform for bioassays. Although the compact disc has been used by modifying the hardware of the detection mechanism (CD-drive) to achieve a ubiquitous and low-cost detection of biomolecules, minimal or no modification is ideal. This thesis investigates the possibility of an inexpensive, software based bioassay detection on CDs with, standard computer drives. Using a CD data analysis software called IsoBuster, biotin-streptavidin binding assays prepared on compact discs are read detected and quantized using error based detection mechanism with a high spatial accuracy. The research shows a sensitivity of detection of 270 μg/mL of streptavidin in solution with biotin-modified disc