Diode Laser Generated Ultrasound for Human Blood Cell Lysis

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The lysing of human blood leukocyte cells prior to performing e.g. DNA analysis is performed on a routine basis in most biochemical labs. Well-established techniques include using a lysis agent or using mechanical methods such as high-energy ultrasound – also known as cell sonication. When porting these trivial methods to microfluidic analysis systems (Lab-on-a-chip, microTAS -systems) challenges become substantial. Adding an extra reagent, such as a lysis agent, to a microsystem or integrating ultrasonic transducers, adds considerably to the complexity of a microsystem (note: when performing PCR, lysis buffer will inhibit the enzymatic process and must thus be removed/inactivated) We have devised a method and build and tested a system whereby we use a focussed infrared laser diode (808nm, 500mW) to generate high-energy ultrasound in a microchannel, and thereby perform lysis cellular matter. We are able to lyse human blood in a microchannel in 5 seconds.

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Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 2, Technical Proceedings of the 2007 NSTI Nanotechnology Conference and Trade Show, Volume 2
Published: May 20, 2007
Pages: 232 - 234
Industry sector: Medical & Biotech
Topic: Diagnostics & Bioimaging
ISBN: 1-4200-6183-6