This contribution outlines the design and manufacturing of a microfluidic device implemented as a biosensor for retrieval and detection of bacteria RNA. The device is fully made of Cyclo-Olefin Copolymer (COC), which features low auto-fluorescence, biocompatibility and manufacturability by hot-embossing. The RNA retrieval was carried on after bacteria heat-lysis by an on-chip micro-heater, whose function was characterized at different working parameters. Carbon resistive temperature sensors were tested, characterized and printed on the biochip sealing film to monitor the heating process. Off-chip and on-chip processed RNA were hybridized with capture probes on the reaction chamber surface and identification was achieved by detection of fluorescence tags. The application of the mentioned techniques and materials proved to allow the development of low-cost, disposable albeit multi-functional microfluidic system, performing heating, temperature sensing and chemical reaction processes in the same device. By proving its effectiveness, this device contributes a reference to show the integration potential of fully thermoplastic devices in biosensor systems.

No abstract

This contribution outlines the design and manufacturing of a biosensor for retrieval and detection of bacteria RNA. The device is fully made of Cyclo-Olefin Copolymer (COC), which features low auto-fluorescence, biocompatibility and manufacturability by hot-embossing. The RNA retrieval is carried on after bacteria heat-lysis by an on-chip micro-heater. Two additional carbon resistive temperature sensors printed on the biochip sealing film monitor the heating process. RNA is hybridized with capture probes on the reaction chamber surface and identification is achieved by detection of fluorescence tags. The application of the mentioned techniques and materials facilitates the development of low-cost, disposable albeit multi-functional microfluidic system, performing heating, temperature sensing and chemical reaction processes in the same device. By proving its effectiveness, this device contributes a reference to show the potential of fully thermoplastic devices as biosensors.