Manipulation of DNA for use in microfluidic devices
MEMS microfluidic systems are becoming increasingly popular as a way to integrate sample preparation and biological assays on a single substrate. The resulting reduction in manual operations and reduced reagent use can lead to significant cost savings in performing biological tests. The authors have explored the use of small scale dielectrophoresis and electrophoresis as a way to manipulate DNA for sample preparation in DNA-based assays. The use of electric fields to manipulate DNA is readily achieved in MEMS devices using standard photolithography techniques to add electrodes to etched flow channels. Dielectrophoresis allows for manipulation of cells and DNA independently of the liquid. This ability is useful in small, valveless fluidic microchips. An advantage of the use of the dielectrophoretic force over an electrophoretic force is that dielectrophoresis works equally well using an AC field, thus reducing trapping of small ions and mitigating electrochemical effects at the electrodes. However, the dielectrophoretic force on the DNA is a function of the volume of the particle; thus, there is a lower practical limit to use of the dielectrophoretic force. Consequently they have also explored methods of manipulating smaller DNA fragments using what they refer to as a stepped electrophoresis method.
- Research Organization:
- Lawrence Livermore National Lab. (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Defense Programs (DP) (US)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-48
- OSTI ID:
- 9666
- Report Number(s):
- UCRL-JC-132459; YN0100000; 98-ERD-082; YN0100000; 98-ERD-082; TRN: AH200124%%429
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: Transducers 99, Sendai (JP), 06/07/1999--06/10/1999; Other Information: PBD: 18 Nov 1998
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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