Peanut Detection Using Droplet Microfluidic Polymerase Chain Reaction Device

In this study, we integrated genetic detection for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with microfluidics technology for the detection of peanut DNA. A cross-junction microchannel was used to induce emulsion droplets of water in oil for PCR on a chip. Compared with the single-phase flow, the emulsion droplet flow exhibited a 7.24% lower evaporation amount and prevented air bubble generation. PCR results of the droplet microfluidic PCR chip for peanut DNA fragment detection was verified by comparison with a commercial PCR thermal cycler and increased fluorescence intensity in SYBR Green reagent-based PCR. Moreover, PCR on the microfluidic PCR chip was successful for sesame, Salmonella spp., and Staphylococcus aureus. The droplet microfluidic PCR device developed in this study can be applied for peanut detection in the context of food allergy.