ELECTROKINETIC POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION (PCR) DEVICES AND METHODS

摘要

Described herein are microfluidic diagnostic methods and devices using electrokinetic modules for the isolation of targets (e.g., cells, bacteria, biomolecules) from biological samples, PCR amplification of DNA isolated from the targets, and real-time quantification of the amplified DNA using impedance sensing. Sample preparation, PCR amplification, and impedance sensing are thus performed using a single integrated platform.

主权项

1. An enclosure for performing polymerase chain reaction (PCR), comprising:
walls defining an enclosed chamber in which an electrically conductive liquid can be contained that is formulated for performing PCR; and a first set of electrodes contacting the conductive liquid in the chamber, the first set of electrodes when electrically energized causing localized heating of the conductive liquid between the electrodes of the first set to produce an electrokinetic convective circulation of the liquid in the chamber, the convective circulation defining at least three temperature zones in the liquid in which denaturation, annealing, and extension phases, respectively, of PCR occur on a sample of genetic material being carried by the circulating liquid successively to the temperature zones.