An integrated microfluidic chip for DNA/RNA amplification, electrophoresis separation and on-line optical detection.

This study presents an integrated microfluidic chip capable of performing DNA/RNA (deoxyribonucleic acid/ribonucleic acid) amplification, electrokinetic sample injection and separation, and on-line optical detection of nucleic acid products in an automatic mode. In the proposed device, DNA/RNA samples are first replicated using a micromachine-based PCR module or reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) module and then transported by a pneumatic micropump to a sample reservoir. The samples are subsequently driven electrokinetically into a microchannel, where they are separated electrophoretically and then detected optically by a buried optical fiber.

Miniature RT-PCR system for diagnosis of RNA-based viruses.

This paper presents an innovative portable chip-based RT-PCR system for amplification of specific nucleic acid and detection of RNA-based viruses. The miniature RT-PCR chip is fabricated using MEMS (Micro-electro-mechanical-system) techniques, and comprises a micro temperature control module and a PDMS (polydimethylsiloxane)-based microfluidic control module. The heating and sensing elements of temperature control module are both made of platinum and are located within the reaction chambers in order to generate a rapid and uniform thermal cycling.

Micromachined polymerase chain reaction system for multiple DNA amplification of upper respiratory tract infectious diseases.

This paper presents a micro polymerase chain reaction (PCR) chip for the DNA-based diagnosis of microorganism genes and the detection of their corresponding antibiotic-resistant genes. The micro PCR chip comprises cheap biocompatible soda-lime glass substrates with integrated thin-film platinum resistors as heating/sensing elements, and is fabricated using micro-electro-mechanical-system (MEMS) techniques in a reliable batch-fabrication process. The heating and temperature sensing elements are made of the same material and are located inside the reaction chamber in order to ensure a uniform temperature distribution.