Sample-Shunting Based PCR Microfluidic Device

P-A Auroux, P.J.R. Day and A. Manz
Imperial College, UK

Keywords: PCR, DNA, microfluidics, chip

Abstract:
A new method to perform on-chip DNA amplification is presented in this abstract: we shunt the sample back and forth over temperature-controlled zones. Compared to existing systems, this approach offers, in addition to a greater flexibility in terms of cycling programme, an incomparable ease of parallelisation. We report in this paper the first results obtained when using a sample-shunting approach to achieve on-chip PCR. An unoptimised chip displays an efficiency of 25% and is six times faster than a conventional thermo-cycler. To the extent of our knowledge no comparable results have been previously published.

Nanotech 2004 Conference Technical Program Abstract