Valveless On-Chip Aliquoting for Molecular Diagnosis

The detection of nucleic acids as specific markers infectious diseases is commonly implemented in molecular biology laboratories. translation these benchtop assays to a lab-on-a-chip format demands huge efforts integration and automation. present work motivated by strong requirement often posed that combine isothermal amplification CRISPR/Cas-based detection: after amplification, 2–8 microliter aliquot the reaction products must be taken for subsequent reaction. In order fulfill this technical problem, we have designed prototyped microfluidic device able meter required range during stepped assay. operation achieved integrating porous material retains desired amount liquid removing excess products, an innovative solution avoids valving external actuation. prototypes were calibrated experimentally tested demonstrate overall performance (general fluidics, metering, aliquoting, mixing reaction). proposed aliquoting method fully compatible with additional functions, such sample concentration or reagent storage, could further employed alternative applications beyond diagnosis.