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Digital PCR: Endless Frontier of 'Divide and Conquer'
1Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics (ICG), Biodynamic Optical Imaging Center (BIOPIC), College of Engineering, School of Life Sciences, and Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China. peiyu@pku.edu.cn.
Micromachines
|November 8, 2018
Summary
Digital polymerase chain reaction (PCR) offers unparalleled DNA quantification for genomics and diagnostics. Future advancements aim to improve accessibility and practicality for wider adoption.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genomics
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Digital polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is increasingly vital for DNA quantification in genomics, genetics, and diagnostics.
- The demand for precise molecular-level quantification of DNA and RNA has surged with advancements like next-generation sequencing and single-cell studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review historical digital PCR (dPCR) methodologies.
- To forecast future trends and potential advancements in dPCR technology.
- To identify challenges hindering wider accessibility and practicality of dPCR.
Main Methods:
- Review of seminal and influential digital PCR (dPCR) approaches.
- Analysis of technological integration, particularly microfluidics.
- Exploration of current and emerging applications.
Main Results:
- Digital PCR (dPCR) has evolved significantly over two decades, with microfluidic integration marking a key advancement.
- Numerous dPCR methods are now established, with expanding applications in various scientific fields.
- Persistent challenges remain in achieving broader accessibility and enhanced practicality.
Conclusions:
- Digital PCR (dPCR) is poised for significant growth due to its superior quantification capabilities.
- Future dPCR development should focus on overcoming current limitations to improve accessibility and practicality.
- Continued innovation in dPCR technology will further impact genomics, diagnostics, and molecular biology.