A functionally integrated thermoplastic microdevice for one-step solid-phase-based nucleic acid purification and...

In this study, we fabricate a functionally integrated monolithic thermoplastic microdevice for continuous operation of nucleic acid purification and amplification using polycarbonate (PC). A solid-phase-based purification and subsequent isothermal amplification, specifically, thermal helicase-dependent amplification (tHDA), was performed in a single operation in a valve-free manner. PC microdevice was assembled using modified thermal bonding process under relatively low temperature and pressure condition, realized by surface chemical modification of PC into hydrophilic property using amine-bearing polyethyleneimine (PEI). After the device sealing, only the microchannel parts were selectively modified to be hydrophobic, using epoxy-terminated poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) (epoxy-PDMS) on amine-coated surface for stepwise introduction of multiple reagents in a valve-free manner. Using the integrated PC microdevice, nucleic acids from genetically modified Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157:H7 were captured inside a chamber bearing amine functionality, by electrostatic interaction, and were subsequently amplified isothermally in the same chamber. Purified DNA captured inside the microchamber was detected directly inside the chamber by fluorescence measurement, and a 92-bp long EaeA gene, inserted into the E. coli O157:H7, was successfully amplified using the integrated PC microdevice in less than 90 min, paving the way for facile identification of foodborne pathogens with simple operation and reduced peripheral operations applicable for portable healthcare purposes. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2016;113: 2614-2623. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.