Quantitative polymerase chain reaction is a technique used for spotting specific DNA molecules by amplifying samples and performing detection at the same time. The amplification process is repeatedly activated by heating and cooling the DNA in the samples. After a sufficient number of cycles, there appear enough DNA molecules to be seen or detected using one of many existing techniques. Currently, diagnostic devices available on the market require between about 18 and 30 thermal cycles before detection is possible, but researchers at the University of Arizona have unveiled in journal Scientific Advances a new technique that can perform qPCR within just four thermal cycles and has a “sample-to-answer” time of around three and a half minutes.
An artist’s rendition of the DOTS qPCR device (Image credit: Dustin Harshman)
The technique is called droplet-on-thermocouple silhouette real-time polymerase chain reaction (DOTS qPCR). It relies on measuring how the surface tension changes within a drop of water within which the DNA is amplified, that itself sits suspended within an oil. The researchers believe that this technology may soon be translated into clinical practice for performing highly accurate rapid bed-side molecular diagnostics.
Study in Science Advances: Innovative qPCR using interfacial effects to enable low threshold cycle detection and inhibition relief…