Doctor of Philosophy

dissertationThis project will produce an automated microfluidic system capable of extracting and purifying nucleic acids from raw samples for detection and analysis. The first step will be the development and characterization of microfluidic components and fabrication methods that will be implemented into the final device. The gas permeability properties of PDMS will be utilized to demonstrate integrated components for pumping, gas bubble trapping and removal, and enhanced mixing. Next, a three-layer PDMS with silicone membrane microfluidic platform will be developed to control fluid flow for nucleic acid purification processes. This microfluidic chip will be capable of taking a raw biological sample through the steps of cell lysis and solid phase nucleic acid extraction to deliver purified DNA or RNA for testing and analysis. The microfluidic chip will be mounted on a portable, desktop control system to allow automated device operation in clinics, laboratories, or the field. Finally, a disposable oscillatory flow PCR chip will be made from polycarbonate to amplify low concentrations of nucleic acid. The PCR module will also be controlled by the same instrument used for nucleic acid extraction. Temperature control will be provided by external heating blocks, and internal chip fluid temperature will be determined by numerical simulations. This device will be a step towards having a universal nucleic acid purification device to fill the much-needed niche in sample preparation for lab-on-a-chip applications