fairfolio
Saved Projects

A Fully-Integrated Lab-On-A-Chip Device for RNA Sample Preparation, Amplification, and Detection for Disease Diagnostics

CSEF · 2017 Biochemistry/ Molecular Biology First Award

Benjamin C. Liu · Arcadia High School, Arcadia, Los Angeles County

Overview

Objectives/Goals RNA analysis requires multiple lab processes and manual handling that is tedious, expensive, and susceptible to cross-contamination. The goal of this project is to develop a fully integrated microfluidic device and a battery-powered, portable instrument that can perform RNA sample preparation, amplification, and detection for infectious disease diagnostics. Methods/Materials Development of individual technologies includes: 1) An electrolysis-based micropump was tested using a power supply, NaCl solution, and paper clips. 2) Acoustic micromixing was tested with a plastic chamber consisting of interior and side air pockets. Design elements were studied relative to micromixing rates for optimization of sample preparation. 3) Blisters were used to store reagent on-board. 4) A battery-powered portable instrument was designed using PCB-controlled motors for the mechanical operation of the device. An integrated microfluidic device was developed and tested on human urine samples for the detection of Mycoplasma Genitalium (MG). Results The acoustic micromixing reduced normal mixing times from 6-8 hours to 4-5 seconds. The electrochemical micropump generated H2 gas for liquid pumping, in which the relationship between flow rate and DC current was studied. Reagent-storing blisters simplified cartridge design and prevented cross-contamination, acting as mixers, valves, and pumps. The mechanical fixture worked in compatibility with the battery-powered portable instrument for mechanical operation of the device.The device performed biological sample-to-answer analysis of real human urine samples and produced diagnostic results comparable to those of current technologies. Conclusions/Discussion This is the first demonstration of lab-on-a-chip technology for RNA sample preparation, isothermal amplification, and detection. Producing results on the detection of MG comparable to modern day diagnostic technologies, the device yields high potential in diagnosing thousands of other RNA-based diseases. The battery-powered portable instrument demonstrates the device#s potential on handheld infectious disease diagnostics.

Summary statement

My project is about the development of a portable device that integrates all lab functions for RNA infectious disease diagnostics.

Help received

Dr. L. Hui gave me advice on improving my research. RD Bio gave me access to their lab equipment to conduct research.

Awards (1)

Competition history

  • CSEF 2017 Biochemistry/ Molecular Biology · Entry S0516

Resources

Related projects

Closest projects by meaning, across every fair and year in the corpus.

Browse more like this

Source: California Science & Engineering Fair public projects

Save projects to your library

Sign in with Google to keep track of projects you find interesting, organized into folders. An account also raises your daily allowance for “Has this been done?”, and lets you create a key for the MCP server with a much higher limit than anonymous use. Browsing stays public.

Continue with Google