Development of an electro-kinetically driven integrated DNA profile separation and detection system

Oakley, Jennifer Ann

Abstract

Described in current literature is the methodology of different aspects of creating a DNA profile which has been successfully performed within a micro-fluidic environment; however integration of each of the different procedures onto a single device has not been documented. This thesis presents briefly the application of a gel supported reagent matrix to aid in the integration of DNA extraction, PCR amplification, and the injection, separation and detection of a DNA sample onto one single micro-fluidic device. The gel supported system was designed to provide greater stability to the reagents during the analysis process and also during long periods of dormancy, enabling the mass production of one use micro-fluidic device, encapsulating all required reagents at time of manufacturing.

Described is the application of electro-osmotic pumping through a gel supported reagent matrix, where a silica monolith was used to support both the electro-osmotic pumping mechanism and the extraction of DNA from cellular debris. The gel supported system also enabled the delivery of a precise and accurate sample plug by an electro-kinetic pinched injection across a gel-to-gel interface, contributing to the improvement and optimisation of the separation of the DNA by capillary electrophoresis. The approach taken in this thesis and the results documented suggest several advantages of integration, including simplification of instrumentation with no need for moving parts and reduction of macro to micro interfacing and power requirements.

Citation

Oakley, J. A. Development of an electro-kinetically driven integrated DNA profile separation and detection system. (Thesis). University of Hull. https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4212978

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Sep 6, 2012
• Publicly Available Date: Feb 22, 2023
• Keywords: Chemistry
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4212978
• Additional Information: Department of Chemistry, The University of Hull
• Award Date: Jul 1, 2010