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A Novel Pressure Indicator for Continuous Flow PCR Chip Using Micro Molded PDMS Pillar Arrays

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 February 2011

Yi Zhao
Affiliation:
Laboratory of Microsystems Technology, Department of Manufacturing Engineering, Boston University, 15 Saint Mary's Street, Boston, MA 02215, USA
Xin Zhang
Affiliation:
Laboratory of Microsystems Technology, Department of Manufacturing Engineering, Boston University, 15 Saint Mary's Street, Boston, MA 02215, USA
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Abstract

DNA amplification is one of the most routine experiments carried out in biological laboratories. Continuous flow PCR chip releases biologists from their laborious exercises. The use of such chip is, however, hindered by costly expense of the syringe pump, which is used to maintain a constant flow rate. In this paper, we demonstrate a novel pressure indicator which makes up an in-line flow sensor in a continuous flow PCR chip. The pressure of PCR channel is achieved from pattern change in fabricated microstructures, and converted to volume flow rate. A polymeric PCR chip with such pressure indicators is presented. With a much less expense as compared to its conventional peers, this indicator has a wide potential for the use in the laboratories which runs daily activities like sequencing or mutagenesis.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 2005

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References

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