An approach for integrating droplet generation and detection in digital polymerase chain reaction applications based on a bifunctional microfluidic cross-structure

Digital polymerase chain reaction (dPCR) is an approach for absolute nucleic acid quantification with high sensitivity. Although several successful commercial dPCR devices have been developed to date, further miniaturizing device dimensions, decreasing cross-contamination, and improving automation level are still research highlights. In this study, we developed a fully contamination-free dPCR detection chip with fluorescence flow cytometry and micro droplet approach. A bifunctional cross-structure (BFCS) was designed to realize monodisperse sample droplet generation in forward flow and droplet detection in backward flow with simple pneumatic control and fixed chip position. In order to improve droplet detection efficiency and accuracy, droplets morphology and sequence pattern during microfluidic droplet generation and backward flow droplet detection at the same cross-structure were observed and analyzed under different pneumatic pressures. In addition, during backward flow droplet detection, an optimized declination angle of the chip was applied to increase droplet reflux rates. For the validation of PCR performance, temperature changing processes during PCR cycles were achieved by heating the monodispersed droplet array with a customized PCR amplification device. The fluorescence signal of each droplet right after passing the cross-structure was excitated and detected. The absolute quantification ability of our integrated dPCR microfluidic chip utilizing flow fluorescence cytometry was tested and verified with Influenza A virus gene (from 7.5 copies/mu L to 30000 copies/mu L). Thus, our platform provides a novel and integrated approach for ddPCR analysis.

Automated summary

In this study, a contamination-free dPCR detection chip was developed using fluorescence flow cytometry and micro droplet approach. The chip utilized a bifunctional cross-structure for monodisperse droplet generation and detection. By observing droplet morphology and sequence pattern, and optimizing the chip angle, the efficiency and accuracy of droplet detection were improved. The PCR performance was validated by heating the droplet array and the absolute quantification ability of the integrated dPCR microfluidic chip was successfully tested and verified.