Semi-Automatic Lab-on-PCB System for Agarose Gel Preparation and Electrophoresis for Biomedical Applications

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Molecular Biology
• Microfluidics

Background:

• Traditional agarose gel electrophoresis requires manual preparation and separate equipment.
• Integration of sample preparation and electrophoresis on a single platform (lab-on-PCB) offers potential for miniaturization and automation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a semi-automatic lab-on-PCB prototype for agarose gel preparation and electrophoresis.
• To integrate essential components for automated gel preparation and DNA migration on a single chip.

Main Methods:

• A compact (38 × 34 mm2) lab-on-PCB device was designed and fabricated.
• Key components include a conductivity sensor, microheater, NTC thermistor, LDR sensor, and electrodes, all controlled by a microcontroller.
• A PMMA structure was used for well definition and electrode release.

Main Results:

• The device successfully automates agarose dissolution (80°C for 10 min) and gel curing (30 min).
• Electrophoresis is performed using a maximum of 40 V, with the microheater drawing 1 A.
• Integrated sensors monitor buffer conductivity and mixture transparency.

Conclusions:

• The developed lab-on-PCB prototype offers a semi-automatic solution for agarose gel preparation and electrophoresis.
• This device can be integrated into larger systems for DNA amplification and detection or used independently for DNA migration.
• The design is adaptable for larger gel formats and expanded electrophoresis applications.