Abstract

Lab-on-Foil Microfluidic Chip for POC Diagnostics of Genetic Disorder Fabricated by R2R UV NIL

Martin Tscherner, Scientist, Joanneum Research

The implementation of isothermal DNA amplification (i.e. LAMP, “loop mediated isothermal amplification”) in combination with the detection of particular genetic features, such as genetically conditioned disorders, by immobilized oligonucleotides – all integrated into a lab-on foil microfluidic chip platform – is presented. The lab-on-foil chips are manufactured using a unique roll-to-roll (“R2R”) pilot line for high throughput production of microfluidic structures. The installation allows the patterning of microfluidic channel structures by means of R2R UV Nanoimprint Lithography (“UV-NIL”), the immobilisation of biomolecules (e.g. nucleic acids; aptamers; proteins) by R2R microarray-spotting and closing/sealing the chips by R2R lamination. To effect on-chip DNA amplification, e.g. using LAMP, a main challenge is to realize precisely controlled temperature conditions inside the reaction zone. In consequence, the development was complemented by the design of a readout device capable of providing precise incubation conditions, as well as performing liquid handling and detection of target sequences via chemiluminescence or time-gated fluorescence detection schemes. First results are shown for a novel test for genetically conditioned lactose intolerance, which involves the correct detection of a single-nucleotide polymorphism.