This microscope slide-sized device can extract long DNA from a cell sample. Credit: David Schlenker/UF
University of Florida chemical engineers have developed a novel lab-on-a-chip device which could provide widespread advances in DNA research.
The new microfluidic device, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, improves DNA purification which in the future could increase sample throughput that matches or exceeds the purity provided by current methods.
Just the size of a microscope slide, the microfluidic device developed by the team employs an electric field to push DNA solutions through a 100 micron square channel which distorts and elongates the DNA, allowing the electric field to drive them toward the channel walls. The push toward the channel walls causes DNA to accumulate, while other sample components are carried away.
Given the relative ease of sample prep offered by the microfluidic device, widespread application after optimizing the device is likely.