Automation of a single-DNA molecule stretching device

Rev Sci Instrum. 2015 Jun;86(6):063702. doi: 10.1063/1.4922068.

Abstract

We automate the manipulation of genomic-length DNA in a nanofluidic device based on real-time analysis of fluorescence images. In our protocol, individual molecules are picked from a microchannel and stretched with pN forces using pressure driven flows. The millimeter-long DNA fragments free flowing in micro- and nanofluidics emit low fluorescence and change shape, thus challenging the image analysis for machine vision. We demonstrate a set of image processing steps that increase the intrinsically low signal-to-noise ratio associated with single-molecule fluorescence microscopy. Furthermore, we demonstrate how to estimate the length of molecules by continuous real-time image stitching and how to increase the effective resolution of a pressure controller by pulse width modulation. The sequence of image-processing steps addresses the challenges of genomic-length DNA visualization; however, they should also be general to other applications of fluorescence-based microfluidics.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Automation, Laboratory / instrumentation*
  • Automation, Laboratory / methods
  • DNA*
  • Equipment Design
  • Fluorescence
  • Microfluidics / instrumentation*
  • Microfluidics / methods
  • Nanotechnology / instrumentation*
  • Nanotechnology / methods
  • Optical Imaging / instrumentation
  • Optical Imaging / methods
  • Pressure

Substances

  • DNA