Genetic analysis loc for isothermal amplification of nucleic acids

Abstract

A lab-on-a-chip (LOC) device for genetic analysis of a sample containing target nucleic acid sequences, the LOC device having a sample inlet for receiving the sample, a plurality of reagent reservoirs containing buffer, dNTPs, primers, and polymerase for addition to the sample to form an amplification mix, and, a nucleic acid amplification section for controlling the temperature of the amplification mix during isothermal amplification of the target nucleic acid sequences.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to diagnostic devices that use microsystems technologies (MST). In particular, the invention relates to microfluidic and biochemical processing and analysis for molecular diagnostics.CO-PENDING APPLICATIONS[0002]The following applications have been filed by the Applicant which relate to the present application:GBS001USGBS002USGBS003USGBS005USGBS006USGSR001USGSR002USGAS001USGAS002USGAS003USGAS004USGAS006USGAS007USGAS008USGAS009USGAS010USGAS012USGAS013USGAS014USGAS015USGAS016USGAS017USGAS018USGAS019USGAS020USGAS021USGAS022USGAS023USGAS024USGAS025USGAS026USGAS027USGAS028USGAS030USGAS031USGAS032USGAS033USGAS034USGAS035USGAS036USGAS037USGAS038USGAS039USGAS040USGAS041USGAS042USGAS043USGAS044USGAS045USGAS046USGAS047USGAS048USGAS049USGAS050USGAS054USGAS055USGAS056USGAS057USGAS058USGAS059USGAS060USGAS061USGAS062USGAS063USGAS065USGAS066USGAS067USGAS068USGAS069USGAS070USGAS080USGAS081USGAS082USGAS083USGAS084USGAS085USGAS086USGAS087USGAS...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0088]This LOC device has the advantage of less complex design and fabrication requirements, which will result in simpler, more reliable fabrication. This LOC device has the advantage of fewer chemical steps during operation, which will result in simpler, more reliable operation. This LOC device design will increase the speed of sample analysis. This enables more sensitive, and more specific, detection of target DNA. This LOC device has the advantage that thermal cycling is not required, which simplifies thermal control electronics, allows more uniform temperature control, and reduces degradation of materials in the LOC device. This LOC device design will reduce the degree of evaporation during operation, allowing improved control over the physical and chemical conditions within the LOC device.

Problems solved by technology

Insufficient stringency can result in a high degree of nonspecific binding.

Excessive stringency can lead to a failure of appropriate binding, which results in diminished sensitivity.

Despite the advantages that molecular diagnostic tests offer, the growth of this type of testing in the clinical laboratory has been slower than expected and remains a minor part of the practice of laboratory medicine.

This is primarily due to the complexity and costs associated with nucleic acid testing compared with tests based on methods not involving nucleic acids.

However, controlling fluid flow through the LOC device, adding reagents, controlling reaction conditions and so on necessitate bulky external plumbing and electronics.

Connecting a LOC device to these external devices effectively restricts the use of LOC devices for molecular diagnostics to the laboratory setting.

The cost of the external equipment and complexity of its operation precludes LOC-based molecular diagnostics as a practical option for point-of-care settings.

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