Rapid PCR for Identity Testing Using a Battery-Powered Miniature Thermal Cycler

Abstract

A microfabricated, battery-powered thermal cycler was implemented in PCR-based DNA typing for human identification. HLA DQα and an STR triplex were PCR amplified using a device known as the Miniature Analytical Thermal Cycling Instrument (MATCI). The extremely efficient heating properties of the MATCI enabled thermal cycling to be completed in as little as 21 min. In addition, the feasibility of using the real-time fluorescent detection system of the MATCI was demonstrated. The successful application of this portable, prototype device to forensic identity testing is a significant milestone towards the eventual development of a completely integrated DNA testing instrument that would also incorporate sample preparation and allele detection.

Microchip PCR

“…The entire system fits inside a briefcase for ease of transport. Applications identified for this nucleic acid analysis device include forensic, environmental and agricultural analyses and detecting biowarfare agents [62,63,64].…”

Peer Reviewed: Biological Warfare Detection

“…Throughout the Cold War, the threat of biological weapons was limited to [15][16][17][18][19][20] classical agents that had the necessary biological and physical characteristics for tactical or strategic use in weapons. Immunoassay-based detectors were the initial choice of most DoD development programs.…”

Sensitive on-chip quantitative real-time PCR performed on an adaptable and robust platform

“…In the literature several real-time PCR systems use disposable thin-walled polypropylene reaction tubes (Belgrader et al 1998(Belgrader et al , 1999Mariella 2001) or chips with open chambers (Xiang et al 2005) into which the PCR mixture is dispensed. Evaporation is prevented by a layer of oil or a lid.…”

“…External heaters, i.e., heaters that can be physically separated from the reaction chamber, are used in the majority of real-time PCR systems presented in the literature. Belgrader et al and Mariella use polypropylene tubes that are slid into silicon reaction chambers with resistive heaters (Belgrader et al 1998(Belgrader et al , 1999Mariella 2001). Cho et al use a system with heaters and sensors fabricated on one silicon chip and a reaction chamber on another (Cho et al 2006).…”