LABEL-FREE DETECTION OF DNA AMPLIFICATION IN DROPLETS USING ELECTRICAL IMPEDANCE

摘要

Droplets containing DNA amplified through PCR were reliably distinguished from those containing DNA that had not been amplified, using the technique of electrical impedance spectroscopy. The system uses a set of 3 planar electrodes, integrated into a microfluidic device, to measure the impedance of passing droplets and determine whether or not PCR was successfully performed in the droplet. This system has the potential to replace other methods of PCR detection, including fluorescence, with the potential for real-time detection of DNA amplification without the need for labeled substrates.