A plastic, disposable microfluidic flow cell for coupled on-chip PCR and microarray detection of infectious agents

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Molecular Diagnostics
• Microfluidics

Background:

• Clinical laboratories need sensitive and specific molecular diagnostic tests.
• Widespread adoption is hindered by complex workflows and expensive instrumentation.
• Microarray-based analysis requires simplification for broader use.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a simplified, low-cost, disposable flow cell for integrated PCR and microarray hybridization.
• To eliminate the need for custom instrumentation and complex fluidic control in molecular diagnostics.

Main Methods:

• A valveless flow cell was constructed using double-faced tape, a plastic microarray substrate, an absorbent, and a hydrophilic thin film.
• A geometric capillary stop design confined liquid during PCR, and imbibition drove reagent removal.
• The flow cell integrated Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) with microarray hybridization in a single chamber.

Main Results:

• The flow cell successfully detected 300 genomic copies of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
• Sensitivity was comparable to conventional methods, but with a simplified workflow.
• The device confined amplicons, reducing workspace contamination risk.

Conclusions:

• The developed valveless flow cell offers a simplified, cost-effective solution for molecular diagnostics.
• This integrated approach reduces complexity and contamination risk compared to conventional methods.
• It enables sensitive detection of pathogens using microarray technology without specialized equipment.