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PCR on a Chip
PCR on a chip
A pocket-sized polymerase chain reaction (PCR) machine for conducting DNA and RNA based tests in 20 minutes has been developed by a research team in Texas.
The device could be used in parts of the developing world which have no access to large DNA labs. It would cost just £5 compared to expensive laboratory equipment that takes hours to generate DNA replicas.
The process of creating thousands of DNA copies using PCR is used in tests for diagnosing or monitoring the progression diseases such as HIV, tuberculosis and cancer.
"We've found a way to take a dilute DNA sample and concentrate it," said Victor Ugaz, an assistant professor in the Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering at Texas A&M University.
“The simplicity of this design makes it attractive for portable and inexpensive analysis systems that could be used in areas where there's no access to large DNA labs.”
The device has no moving parts and runs on two AA batteries. Ugaz's team is now working on developing the components needed to build miniaturised lab-on-a-chip devices.
Details of the device were published in the 30 April edition of the academic journal Angewandte Chemie International Edition.
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Aftab Ahmad Chatha
