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DNA Chip From ST

STMicroelectronics has presented a prototype silicon chip for DNA analysis. The micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) integrates both DNA amplification and detection on the same chip.
STMicroelectronics has presented a prototype silicon chip for DNA analysis. The micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) integrates both DNA amplification and detection on the same chip.


The compact solution can reduce the overall testing costs and delivers results in minutes. Using this technology, extremely small quantities of fluid can be analysed. This is only limited by the abilitiy of external hardware to transfer accurately measured samples.
The prototype performs DNA amplification in microscopic channels buried in the silicon and then identifies DNA fragments in the sample. DNA amplification is performed using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. A prepared DNA sample mixed with suitable reagents flows into the buried channels in the chip. The quantity of DNA is doubled in each of three temperature cycles, resulting in a factor eight amplification. When the sample has been amplified, it flows into a detection area on the same chip where gold electrodes are pre-loaded with DNA fragments. Fragments in the sample attach to matching fragments on the electrodes and are detected optically.


The primary end use targeted by the DNA analysis chip is in medical diagnostics, to detect genetically related disease directly at the point of care without the delays of laboratory testing. Other applications of the DNA analysis chip include drug discovery - the search for more effective new drugs, the testing of livestock for genetic disease, and the monitoring of water supplies for biological contamination.


“The advantage of using silicon rather than plastic or glass for this function is that it has excellent thermal properties, which is extremely useful in analysis techniques like the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), which are based on temperature cycling,” says Benedetto Vigna, Manager of ST's MEMS development unit.


The microfluidic technology used in the DNA analysis device builds on ST's experience in the manufacture of inkjet printer chips combining electronic and fluidic elements. The company works in partnership with leading companies in other fields for joint development of MEMS-based devices for inkjet printers and optical switches.


ST presented the technology at the Chips-to-Hits conference in the USA.

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