| METHOD |
Matrix approach cuts reagent use
Because the volume scales between the "real world" and microfluidic chips are mismatched, it may be difficult to take advantage of economies of scale using microfluidic devices. This has been called the "world-to-chip interface problem." The challenge is to reduce the number of pipetting steps necessary for reactions and use the pipetted fluid for as many reactions as possible. Using a previously reported technique for fabricating microfluidic devices [Science, 298, 580 (2003); C&EN, Sept. 30, 2002, page 11], authors have constructed a 20 220 microfluidic matrix that performs 400 independent polymerase chain reactions using only 41 pipetting steps. A single 2-µL aliquot of polymerase was enough for all the reactions. Doing the same reactions by hand or by robot would take 1,200 pipetting steps. The matrix approach to microscale reactions has the potential to minimize reagent consumption.
|