DNA Side
Our research focuses on exploiting microfabrication to minaiturize chemical and biochemical analysis technologies. Using microfluidic of channels on glass devices, we have created networks for primarily electrophoresis-based separations for genotyping and sequencing of DNA. These microfluidic concepts have also been applied to making PCR reactors directly coupled to CE channels, and the micro-plumbing necessary for them. Expanding on these ideas, we're also developing an amino-acid analyzer for extraterrestrial exploration, and complex networks for DNA-based computing. Building upon the possibilities of microfabrication, we're also exploring integrated detectors - both electrochemical and optical.
The 96-lane microfabricated sequencer we developed pushes the envelope of high-speed sequencing, yielding an impressive 1700 bases/min of PHRED 20 or better quality. The design incomporates 16-cm folded channels, and fluidically balanced injectors derived from both simulation and experiment.
Jim, Sam. Yong, (alumni: Brian Paegel, Peter Simpson, Shaorong Liu, Adam Woolley, Robert Blazej Palani,)
DNA Genotypers
With our revolutionary rotary confocal fluorescence scanner, we've been able to develop arrays of 12 to 384 microfabricated capillaries on glass wafers from 4 to 8" in diameter making possible high-throughput genotyping of > 1 sample per second.
Jim, Stephanie, Peng, Dave (alumni: Adam Woolley, Peter Simpson, Igor Medintz and Huijun Tian, Charlie Emrich)
Extraterrestrial Analysis
The search for signs of extraterrestrial life require miniaturized biochemical analysis systems that can be flown to the planets (e.g. Mars) for in situ experimentation. As amino acid homochirality is thought to be a requirement for life, we've developed microchip-based systems for future flights to Mars with JPL and NASA.
Tom, Merwan, Amanda, Jim ( alumnus: Lester Hutt, Alison Skelley)
Erik ( alumnus: Will Grover)
PCR on a chip
Capable of single-molecule amplification and detection on a single device, PCR on a chip is a microfluidically intense endeavor with ample room for integration of electronic devices. Reducing volumes to a few hundred nL allows thermal cycling rates fast enough to perform analysis in < 30 min.
We are developing microfabricated surfaces for cell interfacing for single cell probing.
We are developing an integrated cell capture-PCR-capillary electrophoresis microdevice as part of a portable pathogen detection system. This lab-on-a-chip system will incorporate microfabricated heaters and temperture sensors for PCR thernal cycling , PDMS membrane valves for microfluidic manipulation, and capture chambers for sample purification of pathogenic cells
