MICROFLUIDIC METHODS FOR NUCLEIC ACID MONITORING

摘要

A microfluidic device for monitoring specific nucleic acids contained in a clinical sample, wherein the device comprises at least one input well capable of receiving at least one clinical sample, at least one chamber capable of receiving a portion of at least one clinical sample, and at least one microfluidic channel capable of separating nucleic acid according to size and capable of receiving a portion of at least one clinical sample, is disclosed. Said at least one input well, chamber and microfluidic channel are all in fluid communication by at least two second microfluidic channels. Further, said microfluidic device comprises at least two valves capable of preventing fluid flow through at least one of said second microfluidic channels. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid is viral and the clinical sample originates from human blood, urine or tissue. Also provided for is a method to monitor a patient undergoing an immunomodulatory, immunosuppressive or lmmunoablative therapy, using the device.