3D-printed device for time- and cost-efficient sample preparation and DNA fractionation

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Molecular Biology
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Direct DNA detection in biological samples faces selectivity and sensitivity challenges.
• DNA pre-extraction from biofluids is crucial for advancing molecular diagnostics.
• Liquid biopsy techniques for circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) require efficient sample preparation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a fast, cost-effective, and high-throughput DNA preparation method for biofluids.
• To improve the sensitivity and selectivity of DNA analysis in complex biological matrices.
• To specifically enhance liquid biopsy applications by optimizing circulating DNA isolation.

Main Methods:

• A novel 3D-printed device integrating gel electrophoresis and electrodialysis was designed.
• The system performs preparative separation of DNA fragments from blood samples.
• The method focuses on efficient isolation of short DNA fragments while removing large DNA.

Main Results:

• The developed system achieved time-, cost-, and labor-efficient DNA separation.
• Recovery rates for short DNA fragments reached up to 80%.
• The method successfully eliminated large DNA fragments and reduced matrix DNA interference in spiked samples.

Conclusions:

• The 3D-printed device offers a promising solution for DNA pre-extraction from biofluids.
• This approach significantly enhances the potential of liquid biopsy and other DNA-based analyses.
• The method provides a robust tool for isolating target DNA from complex biological samples.