An Aluminum-Based Microfluidic Chip for Polymerase Chain Reaction Diagnosis

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biotechnology
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Microfluidic devices offer advantages for rapid molecular diagnostics.
• Metal-based microfluidic chips face challenges with metal ion leaching affecting reaction sensitivity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate an aluminum-based microfluidic chip for real-time PCR.
• To ensure the chip's surface coating effectively prevents metal ion interference.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of an aluminum microfluidic chip with a silicone-modified epoxy resin coating.
• Real-time PCR assays performed within the chip.
• Surface characterization using SEM, AFM, EDS, XPS, and ICP-OES.
• Surface chemical state analysis using FTIR.

Main Results:

• Successful real-time PCR testing with quantification cycle values comparable to traditional methods.
• SEM and AFM confirmed smooth, well-coated reaction chambers.
• EDS, XPS, and ICP-OES demonstrated no metal ion leaching.
• FTIR indicated an unreacted, antifouling surface.
• Achieved a limit of detection of at least two copies.

Conclusions:

• The developed aluminum microfluidic chip with silicone-modified epoxy resin coating is suitable for sensitive real-time PCR.
• The coating effectively isolates the reaction system, preventing metal ion interference.
• This technology shows promise for point-of-care molecular diagnostics.