RAPID FABRICATION OF MICROCHIPS FOR PCR ANALYSIS FROM POLYMER MATERIALS IN THE LABORATORY CONDITIONS

Abstract

Polycarbonate and polypropylene microchips were made by thermoforming and sealed by special PCR films. The aim of this work was to study the possibility of promptly manufacturing microchips for performing RT-PCR analysis. Microchips are made of hard plastics, preferably using domestically produced materials. Therefore, to achieve the goal, the following tasks were set: 1) thermoforming the topology of the chambers in polycarbonate and polypropylene master mold made by laser microforming; 2) sealing the obtained microchips with commercial films for PCR, which are polymer films with a thin adhesive layer (the connection should provide a binding force, holding the pressure arising in the chambers during thermal cycling, and not inhibiting the reaction); 3) study of light transmission and background fluorescence of microchips, since it is supposed to detect PCR-RT by optical methods; 4) study of the properties of the surface of the chambers of microchips (by the recumbent drop method), since they affect the formation of air bubbles during thermal cycling; 5) approbation of microchips when performing PCR-RT in them. The efficiency of microchips was demonstrated by conducting PCR-RT on a test object. The obtaining microchips made of polycarbonate and polypropylene could withstand storage at negative temperatures (–40 ℃).