Core-Shell Beads Made by Composite Liquid Marble Technology as A Versatile Microreactor for Polymerase Chain Reaction

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Materials Science
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a vital DNA amplification technique, but conventional methods generate significant plastic waste.
• Existing PCR protocols lack innovations in sample dispersion, contributing to environmental concerns from single-use plastics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an eco-friendly sample dispersion platform for PCR to mitigate plastic waste.
• To synthesize and validate a core-shell bead microreactor for improved PCR sample handling.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of a core-shell bead microreactor using photopolymerization of a composite liquid marble.
• Utilizing the core-shell bead as a novel sample dispersion medium for PCR.

Main Results:

• The core-shell bead microreactor significantly reduces plastic waste compared to traditional PCR methods.
• The platform demonstrates increased throughput capability and enhanced thermal cycler performance and portability.
• The system allows for contamination-free storage of samples post-thermal cycling.

Conclusions:

• The core-shell bead microreactor offers a sustainable and efficient alternative for PCR sample dispersion.
• This innovation addresses plastic waste in molecular biology while improving PCR workflow.
• The developed platform presents a significant advancement in portable and high-throughput molecular diagnostics.