Klaus-Stefan Drese

Automated chip-based device for simple and fast nucleic acid amplification

A chip-based PCR device is presented that is capable of rapid temperature ramping and handling sample volumes in the microliter range. The PCR chip comprises a microchannel thermally connected to three temperature zones. Inside this microchannel, the PCR sample plug is driven and precisely positioned by a ferrofluidic actuator for more than 40 cycles within 5 min. Computer simulations predict that the sample plugs are thermally equilibrated on a time scale of some 10 ms when transported to a different temperature zone. Hence, the thermal limitations on the cycle speed of the system are considerably reduced compared with conventional cyclers. The system was developed on a modular platform suitable for handling further microfluidic tasks such as DNA extraction and preparation of the PCR mix. Thus, the aspired chip-based platform represents not only a PCR system but a complete analysis system, from the injection of a patient’s blood sample to its final appraisal.

Protein Transport and Concentration by Electrophoresis in Two-phase Microflows

This work aims at a new class of methods for electric field-mediated separation of biomolecules. In contrast to standard techniques, electrophoretic transport was not performed in a single-phase homogenous fluid, but in a system of stratified layers. The large surface-to-volume ratio characteristic for microfluidic systems allows the interactions of biomolecules with liquid/liquid interfaces to be examined and the suitability of corresponding effects for applications in the field of biomolecular separations and enrichment to be assessed. To perform these types of studies, a micro flow cell was fabricated into which two coflowing immiscible liquid phases can be introduced. Subsequently, the electrophoretic transport of biomolecules driven by an electric field perpendicular to the channel was examined. To investigate the transport phenomena related to electrophoresis in stratified two-phase systems, aqueous solutions consisting of polyethylene glycol and dextran were prepared, which allowed a stable interface to develop. Transport within one phase and an enrichment of proteins at the phase boundary has been established. In addition, other kinds of fluid combinations such as water and propylene carbonate have been examined, also supporting the enrichment of proteins at the phase boundary.