Development and integration of an electrochemical system in a LOC device for DNA detection

In this work we have developed an electrochemical detection system with the aim to simplify and reduce the cost of a Lab on a Chip (LOC) device in the case of qualitative DNA detection measurements. In addition to the optical detection system of the LOC device, an electrochemical detection module has been developed. The LOC system consists of a portable platform-reader actuator and a disposable labcard capable of performing nucleic acid concentration and amplification. The sample is injected in the labcard and after the elution of the DNA, it is transferred to the PCR chamber, where the DNA is amplified and transferred to the detection chamber. The electrochemical detection module is based on a self-developed potentiostat/galvanostat, which is integrated in the LOC system. In order to see the reliability of the fabricated device, it is compared to the commercial potentiostat Autolab. The electrochemical sensor used for the measurements is integrated in the detection chamber of the labcard. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.