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High Throughput MicroRNA Profiling: Optimized Multiplex qRT-PCR at Nanoliter Scale on the Fluidigm Dynamic ArrayTM IFCs
Published on: August 3, 2011
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Microfluidic SlipChip device for multistep multiplexed biochemistry on a nanoliter scale
Dmitriy V Zhukov1, Eugenia M Khorosheva1, Tahmineh Khazaei2
1Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, 1200 E. California Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA. rustem.admin@caltech.edu.
Lab on a Chip
|August 24, 2019
Summary
A novel multistep microfluidic device enhances SlipChip technology for multiplexed nanoliter reactions. This innovation enables complex biological assays, including RNA barcoding, with improved precision and sample identification.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Microfluidics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Current microfluidic devices have limitations in performing multistep reactions and multiplexing.
- SlipChip technology offers a platform for miniaturized assays but requires enhancements for complex workflows.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an advanced microfluidic device for multistep droplet merging and multiplexing.
- To expand the capabilities of SlipChip for complex biological assays requiring precise nanoliter reagent handling.
Main Methods:
- Development of a manually operated multistep microfluidic device with features for droplet merging and parallel processing.
- Utilizing interfacial energy for accurate nanoliter volume metering and reagent transfer.
- Incorporation of tunable reaction wells with pre-spotted reagents for sample identification.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated successful multistep droplet merging and multiplexing capabilities.
- Accurate nanoliter volume metering and reagent transfer into on-device reaction wells.
- Successful on-device RNA transcript barcoding for both synthetic and biological samples.
Conclusions:
- The developed multistep microfluidic device significantly expands SlipChip capabilities for complex assays.
- This technology is suitable for various biological applications, including single-cell analysis, requiring multiplexed nanoliter reactions.
- The device offers precise control over reagent handling and sample tracking.
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