Extraction and purification of genomic DNA via entrapment in an array of microposts

A novel microfluidic device was developed to extract and purify genomic DNA from a small number (from a single to hundreds) of cells using an array of microposts. Following chemical-induced lysis, separation occurs when large genomic DNA strands became physically entrapped within the post array while other smaller cellular components were flushed out of the device. The purified DNA was extracted by a continuous flow enzymatic digestion process which fragmented the trapped DNA into smaller sizes. Using this strategy, we have obtained high DNA extraction efficiencies (~ 85 to 90%) for low elution volumes (≤ 20 μL). Copyright © (2011) by the Chemical and Biological Microsystems Society.