Analytical Sciences

Rapid DNA Hybridization Analysis Using a PDMS Microfluidic Sensor and a Molecular Beacon

Sungyong KIM,*¹ Lingxin CHEN,*¹ Sangyeop LEE,*¹ Gi Hun SEONG,*¹ Jaebum CHOO,*¹ Eun Kyu LEE,*² Chil-Hwan OH,*³ and Sanghoon LEE*⁴

*1 Department of Applied Chemistry, Hanyang University, Ansan 426-791, South Korea
*2 Department of Chemical Engineering, Hanyang University, Ansan 426-791, South Korea
*3 Department of Dermatology, Korea University, Seoul 136-174, South Korea
*4 Department of Biomedical Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 136-701, South Korea

A rapid DNA analysis has been developed based on a fluorescence intensity change of a molecular beacon in a PDMS microfluidic channel. Recently, we reported a new analytical method of DNA hybridization involving a PDMS microfluidic sensor using fluorescence energy transfer (FRET). However, there are some limitations in its application to real DNA samples because the target DNA must be labelled with a suitable fluorescent dye. To resolve this problem, we have developed a new DNA microfluidic sensor using a molecular beacon. By monitoring the change in the restored fluorescence intensity along the channel length, it is possible to rapidly detect any hybridization of the molecular beacon to the target DNA. In this case, the target DNA does not need to be labelled. Our experimental results demonstrate that this microfluidic sensor using a molecular beacon is a promising diagnostic tool for rapid DNA hybridization analysis.

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