DNA probe attachment on plastic surfaces and microfluidic hybridization array channel devices with sample oscillation.

DNA probe immobilization on plastic surfaces and device assembly are both critical to the fabrication of microfluidic hybridization array channel (MHAC) devices. Three oligonucleotide (oligo) probe immobilization procedures were investigated for attaching oligo probes on four different types of plastic surfaces (polystyrene, polycarbonate, poly(methylmethacrylate), and polypropylene). These procedures are the Surmodics procedure, the cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) procedure, and the Reacti-Bind procedure. To determine the optimal plastic substrate and attachment chemistry for array fabrication, we investigated plastic hydrophobicity, intrinsic fluorescence, and oligo attachment efficiency. The Reacti-Bind procedure is least effective for attaching oligo probes in the microarray format. The CTAB procedure performs well enough to use in array fabrication, and the concentration of CTAB has a significant effect on oligo immobilization efficiency. We also found that use of amine-modified oligo probes resulted in better immobilization efficiency than use of unmodified oligos with the CTAB procedure. The oligo probe immobilization on plastic surfaces by the Surmodics procedure is the most effective with regard to probe spot quality and hybridization sensitivity. A DNA hybridization assay on such a device results in a limit of detection of 12pM. Utilizing a CO(2) IR laser machining and adhesive layer approach, we have developed an improved procedure for realizing a DNA microarray inside a microfluidic channel. This device fabrication procedure allows for more feasible spot placement in the channel and reduced sample adsorption by adhesive tapes used in the fabrication procedure. We also demonstrated improved hybridization kinetics and increased detection sensitivity in MHAC devices by implementing sample oscillation inside the channel. A limit of detection of 5pM has been achieved in MHAC devices with sample oscillation.

DNA amplification and hybridization assays in integrated plastic monolithic devices.

PCR amplification, DNA hybridization, and a hybridization wash have been integrated in a disposable monolithic DNA device, containing all of the necessary fluidic channels and reservoirs. These integrated devices were fabricated in polycarbonate plastic material by CO2 laser machining and were assembled using a combination of thermal bonding and adhesive tape bonding. Pluronics polymer phase change valves were implemented in the devices to fulfill the valving requirements. Pluronics polymer material is PCR compatible, and 30% Pluronics polymer valves provide enough holding pressure to ensure a successful PCR amplification. By reducing the temperature locally, to approximately 5 degrees C, Pluronics valves were liquefied and easily opened. A hybridization channel was made functional by oligonucleotide deposition, using Motorola proprietary surface attachment chemistry. Reagent transport on the device was provided by syringe pumps, which were docked onto the device. Peltier thermal electrical devices powered the heating and cooling functionality of the device. Asymmetrical PCR amplification and subsequent hybridization detection of both Escherichia coli K-12 MG1655 and Enterococcus faecalis DNAE genes have been successfully demonstrated in these disposable monolithic devices.

High sensitivity PCR assay in plastic micro reactors.

Small volume operation and rapid thermal cycling have been subjects of numerous reports in micro reactor chip development. Sensitivity aspects of the micro PCR reactor have not been studied in detail, however, despite the fact that detection of rare targets or trace genomic material from clinical and/or environmental samples has been a great challenge for microfluidic devices. In this study, a serpentine shaped thin (0.75 mm) polycarbonate plastic PCR micro reactor was designed, constructed, and tested for not only its rapid operation and efficiency, but also its detection sensitivity and specificity, in amplification of Escherichia coli (E. coli) K12-specific gene fragment. At a template concentration as low as 10 E. coli cells (equivalent to 50 fg genomic DNA), a K12-specific gene product (221 bp) was adequately amplified with a total of 30 cycles in 30 min. Sensitivity of the PCR micro reactor was demonstrated with its ability to amplify K12-specific gene from 10 cells in the presence of 2% blood. Specificity of the polycarbonate PCR micro reactor was also proven through multiplex PCR and/or amplification of different pathogen-specific genes. This is, to our knowledge, the first systematic study of assay sensitivity and specificity performed in plastic, disposable micro PCR devices.