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Fully automated molecular diagnosis by a novel cartridge-based platform

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Abstract

A novel cartridge-based platform was developed to perform fully automated sample preparation, amplification, and analysis of nucleic acids. The cartridge consists of three layers: multiple reagent chambers, a mixing reservoir, and elutes and waste chambers. The fluidic manipulation and solution mixing inside the cartridge were controlled by motor systems. After loading a sample specimen, each reagent solution in the chambers of the cartridge was sequentially injected into the mixing reservoir. Extracted nucleic acids were captured by magnetic beads and transferred into a small eluates chamber. Automated sample preparation and isothermal amplification of nucleic acids for pathogenic bacteria were demonstrated in this all-in one cartridge platform. This cartridge system provides rapid and reproducible sample preparation in comparison with manual methods. In addition, real-time detection of isothermal amplification using the implemented photometric system was compared with that of using a commercial polymerase chain reaction (PCR) device. This system has the potential to become a more reliable diagnostic tool for fast detection of contagious, foodborne, and emergency point-of-care (POC) diseases.

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Correspondence to Dongkyu Lee.

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Kwon, O., Lee, KH., Kwak, B. et al. Fully automated molecular diagnosis by a novel cartridge-based platform. Int. J. Precis. Eng. Manuf. 17, 597–601 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12541-016-0072-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12541-016-0072-2

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