Development of a DNA isolation device using poly(3,4-dihydroxy-L-phenylalanine)-coated swab for on-site molecular diagnostics

Sci Rep. 2019 May 31;9(1):8144. doi: 10.1038/s41598-019-44527-2.

Abstract

For on-site molecular diagnostics, a pre-treatment step for isolation of nucleic acid from clinical samples on site is desired. However, conventional commercialized silica-based nucleic acid isolation kits require repetitive pipetting and a centrifugation or permanent magnet for buffer exchange. In this study, we developed a poly(3,4-dihydroxy-L-phenylalanine) (L-DOPA)-coated swab that can absorb and desorb DNA depending on pH of buffers and a portable integrated DNA isolation device that comprises integrated chambers containing DNA isolation buffers. The poly(L-DOPA)-coated swab interacts with each buffer by passing through the membrane between the integrated chambers. Our device involves a simple operation and does not require any large equipment or skilled experts. By connecting the device with an automated polymerase chain reaction system, an isothermal amplification system, or a non-amplified DNA detection method, on-site molecular diagnosis of various diseases can be quickly realized.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Buffers
  • DNA / analysis*
  • Dihydroxyphenylalanine / analogs & derivatives*
  • Dihydroxyphenylalanine / chemistry
  • Equipment Design
  • Genetic Testing
  • Humans
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Lab-On-A-Chip Devices
  • Pathology, Molecular / instrumentation*
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Polymers / chemistry*

Substances

  • Buffers
  • Polymers
  • poly(3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine)
  • Dihydroxyphenylalanine
  • DNA