NCJ Number
246133
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 58 Issue: 4 Dated: July 2013 Pages: 866-874
Date Published
July 2013
Length
9 pages
Annotation
The majority of microfluidic devices used as a platform for low-cost, rapid DNA analysis are glass devices; however, microchip fabrication in glass is costly and laborious, enhancing the interest in polymeric substrates, such as poly methyl methacrylate PMMA, as an inexpensive alternative.
Abstract
The majority of microfluidic devices used as a platform for low-cost, rapid DNA analysis are glass devices; however, microchip fabrication in glass is costly and laborious, enhancing the interest in polymeric substrates, such as poly methyl methacrylate PMMA, as an inexpensive alternative. Here, we report amplification in PMMA polymerase chain reaction PCR microchips providing full short tandem repeat profiles 16 of 16 loci in 30-40 min, with peak height ratios and stutter percentages that meet literature threshold requirements. In addition, partial profiles 15 of 16 loci were generated using an ultrafast PCR method in 17.1 min, representing a ~10-fold reduction in reaction time as compared to current amplification methods. Finally, a multichamber device was demonstrated to simultaneously amplify one positive, one negative, and five individual samples in 39 min. Although there were instances of loci dropout, this device represents a first step toward a microfluidic system capable of amplifying more than one sample simultaneously. Abstract published by arrangement with Wiley.