Static self-directed sample dispensing into a series of reaction wells on a microfluidic card for parallel genetic detection of microbial pathogens

A microfluidic card is described for simultaneous and rapid genetic detection of multiple microbial pathogens. The hydrophobic surface of native acrylic and a novel microfluidic mechanism termed “airlock” were used to dispense sample into a series of 64 reaction wells without the use of valves, external pumping peripherals, multiple layers, or vacuum assistance. This airlock mechanism was tested with dilutions of whole human blood, saliva, and urine, along with mock samples of varying viscosities and surface tensions. Samples spiked with genomic DNA (gDNA) or crude lysates from clinical bacterial isolates were tested with loop mediated isothermal amplification assays (LAMP) designed to target virulence and antibiotic resistance genes. Reactions were monitored in real time using the Gene-Z, which is a portable smartphone-driven system. Samples loaded correctly into the microfluidic card in 99.3 % of instances. Amplification results confirmed no carryover of pre-dispensed primer between wells during sample loading, and no observable diffusion between adjacent wells during the 60 to 90 min isothermal reaction. Sensitivity was comparable between LAMP reactions tested within the microfluidic card and in conventional vials. Tests demonstrate that the airlock card works with various sample types, manufacturing techniques, and can potentially be used in many point-of-care diagnostics applications. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s10544-015-9994-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.