Quantitative DNA Hybridization Assay on a Multiplexed Surface Microfluidic Device

A Dielectrophoresis (DEP) based Surface Microfluidic (SMF) device has been successfully configured to facilitate multiplexed DNA hybridization assay. In this paper, we have demonstrated the utility of a 2×2 multiplexed DEP based droplet dispensing and conveyance schemes to manipulate sub-nanoliter DNA sample droplets and facilitate high throughput applications. To quantify and study various aspects of the multiplexed DNA hybridization assay, a photo multiplier tube (PMT) was utilized to optically monitor the individual droplets. Applications of the proposed assay scheme are envisioned in generalization towards an MxN matrix which can conduct numerous biochemical assays in a parallel, automated fashion, consuming minimal quantities of chemical and biochemical reagents and providing means for reliable and low cost bio-diagnostics.