Reusable silicon-glass chip for consecutive Polymerase Chain Reaction

Abstract:
We present our current progress of the development of a microfluidic, reusable silicon-glass PCR chip. The importance of a suitable silicon passivation is highlighted: since the PCR mix is slightly alkaline, bare silicon is significantly etched at the required high temperatures of the PCR denaturation. Furthermore, the PCR inhibition is quantified and the interactions between the chip’s surface and the PCR sample is investigated, leading to an established on-chip-PCR protocol. For elimination of cross-contaminations, different cleaning and washing steps are presented and discussed. The usability and implementation of this PCR chip within a consecutive PCR system is addressed.