Innovative Portable Device Enables Real-Time Monitoring of Alzheimer's Disease Progression

Researchers from Concordia University and McGill University have developed a groundbreaking 'lab-on-a-chip' device capable of modeling how Alzheimer's disease advances within the brain. This microfluidic platform allows scientists to study the response of microglia—the brain’s immune cells—to amyloid beta oligomers (AβO), which are toxic protein fragments considered a hallmark of Alzheimer's. Normally, microglia help remove these fragments, but in Alzheimer's, they become over-activated, releasing inflammatory substances that harm neurons.

The device works by flowing liquid over microglial cells in a tiny channel, testing how well these immune cells adhere to surfaces under different conditions. When exposed to higher concentrations of AβO, microglia lose their grip more rapidly, indicating weakened cell adhesion—a physical sign of disease progression. This innovative system has been detailed in the journal Microsystems & Nanoengineering.

A significant advantage of this microfluidic chip is that it is label-free and cost-effective, enabling continuous monitoring of cell behavior without the need for dyes or antibodies. Traditional diagnostic methods often require complex preparation and only provide static snapshots, making this portable device a valuable tool for early detection and tracking of Alzheimer's. After 24 hours of exposure to high AβO levels, immune cells detached entirely, demonstrating the device’s ability to capture subtle cellular changes associated with the disease.

This technology holds promise not only for improving diagnostics but also for drug development, providing researchers with a practical, low-cost tool to observe Alzheimer’s-related cellular behaviors in real time. The study was led by Dr. Ehsan Yazdanpanah Moghadam, along with collaboration from experts including Professor Nahum Sonenberg and Professor Muthukumaran Packirisamy.