Scalable, modular, integrated genetic analysis systems

• Author / Creator

  Bidulock, Allison Christel Elizabeth

• This thesis addresses the need for inexpensive microfluidic platforms by contributing to the collaborative development of a modularised, integrated system capable of molecular diagnostics using bead-based sample preparation, polymerase chain reaction and capillary electrophoresis analysis techniques. Although the entire system is briefly presented here, the primary focus of this project had three central goals: contribution to the system architecture through the sole development of in-house, modular software and firmware-software interface protocol; verification of the system’s capabilities through extensive testing and strict characterisation of its performance; and, the identification of challenges associated with the characterised system and discussion of possible or implemented solutions. With a total component cost of less than $1000, this sytem has optical sensitivity comparable to traditional electrophoretic analysis methods, the ability to amplify from a few molecules, and represents a significant advancement for the use of lab-on-a-chip technologies in point of care applications.

• Subjects / Keywords

  • Polymerase chain reaction
  • Capillary electrophoresis
  • Genetic analysis system
  • Integrated
  • Modular
  • Scalable
  • Microfluidics

• Graduation date

  Fall 2011

• Type of Item

  Thesis

• Degree

  Master of Science

• DOI

  https://doi.org/10.7939/R3X36J

• License

  This thesis is made available by the University of Alberta Libraries with permission of the copyright owner solely for non-commercial purposes. This thesis, or any portion thereof, may not otherwise be copied or reproduced without the written consent of the copyright owner, except to the extent permitted by Canadian copyright law.