DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION OF DIGITAL MICROFLUIDIC PLATFORM TO PERFORM THE PROTOCOL OF POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION (PCR)

• Main Author: Fitriyansah, Ahmad
• Format: Theses
• Language: Indonesia
• Online Access: https://digilib.itb.ac.id/gdl/view/86179
• Institution: Institut Teknologi Bandung

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is one of the foundations in molecular diagnostics, using thermal cycling to rapidly amplify specific DNA sequences. Despite its effectiveness, conventional PCR often involves significant delays due to the need to transport samples to centralized laboratories. These delays can be particularly problematic in clinical settings where timely diagnosis is critical. Consequently, there is a pressing need for a system that can bring PCR technology closer to the point of sample collection. Digital Microfluidics (DMF) presents a promising solution to this challenge. By miniaturizing and automating PCR processes, DMF can facilitate point-of-care testing, making molecular diagnostics more immediate and accessible. This technology reduces the time required for sample processing and enhances the efficiency of diagnostic services. Multiple designs have been proposed to perform PCR using DMF using a single heater or by moving droplet to designated heating area. The latter approach accelerates PCR by minimizing thermal load compared to single-heater systems. However, most current DMF designs accommodate only two heating stages, while conventional PCR typically requires three distinct stages—denaturation, annealing, and extension. This study addresses this gap by introducing a DMF system engineered to support all three PCR stages. The system developed in this study demonstrates promising result. It is capable of heating three specific areas of the chip, each corresponding to a different stage of the PCR process. Additionally, it is also capable to move the droplet back and forth to each heating area using a scheduling algorithm that is developed specifically for the system. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the design process and offer practical solutions to the challenges associated with implementing three-stage PCR using DMF. These advancements can serve as a foundation for further research in this area, ultimately contributing to the development of more efficient and accessible molecular diagnostic tools.