Improved DNA extraction efficiency from low level cell numbers using a silica monolith based micro fluidic device

Analytica Chimica Acta 750 (2012) 127–131

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Improved DNA extraction efficiency from low level cell numbers using a silica monolith based micro fluidic device Loay Kashkary, Cordula Kemp, Kirsty J. Shaw ∗ , Gillian M. Greenway, Stephen J. Haswell Department of Chemistry, University of Hull, Cottingham Road, Hull HU6 7RX, UK

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 In situ fabrication of silica monoliths within micro fluidic devices.  Improved DNA extraction efficiency from low cell numbers.  Relevant to forensic or clinical diagnostics applications.

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Article history: Received 15 March 2012 Received in revised form 10 May 2012 Accepted 12 May 2012 Available online 22 May 2012 Keywords: DNA extraction Monolith Micro fluidic

a b s t r a c t The evaluation of a micro fluidic system with an integrated silica monolith for performing DNA extraction from limited biological samples has been carried out. Low DNA target concentrations usually require the addition of carrier RNA to ensure desired extraction efficiencies. Here, we demonstrate a micro fluidic extraction system with increasingly efficient extraction performances for biological samples containing 50 nm) enabling unhindered flow of solutions in addition to micropores (