AN INTEGRATED NANOLITER DNA ANALYSIS DEVICE

A device was developed that uses microfabricated fluidic channels, hea ters, temperature sensors, and fluorescence detectors to analyze nanol iter-size DNA samples. The device is capable of measuring aqueous reag ent and DNA-containing solutions, mixing the solutions together, ampli fying or digesting the DNA to form discrete products, and separating a nd defecting those products. No external Lenses, heaters, or mechanica l pumps are necessary for complete sample processing and analysis. Bec ause all of the components are made using conventional photolithograph ic production techniques, they operate as a single closed system. The components have the potential for assembly into complex, low-power, in tegrated analysis systems at Low unit cost, The availability of portab le, reliable instruments may facilitate the use of DNA analysis in app lications such as rapid medical diagnostics and point-of-use agricultu ral testing.