A rapid microfluidic platform with real time fluorescence detection system for molecular diagnosis

Here, we present a compact microfluidic real-time PCR platform integrated with a thermal cycler and an online fluorescence detection module, including a disposable microfluidic chip fabricated in polydimethylsiloxane. The fluorescence detection module is able to continuously monitor the PCR reaction in the microfluidic chip over thermal cycles, and a large amount of signal data can be rapidly analysed by a built-in computer.

In order to further evaluate the performance of the developed PCR platform, we carried out a series of systemic verifications, such as precision of temperature control, sensitivity and specificity. Under the optimal conditions, the limit of detection of the target molecule reached approximately 1.0 102 copies/mL, with a correlation coefficient of 0.9966. In addition, hepatitis B virus could be detected quickly by this real-time PCR system in about half an hour.