RT-PCR micromodule based on oligo(dT) microcolumn for micro total gene expression analysis system

Abstract

In gene expression analysis, target genes are amplified by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) with messenger RNA (mRNA). We previously reported a microfluidic device for mRNA isolation by the combination of a micromill and a microshredder. In this study, we report an RT-PCR micromodule that can operate simultaneously with above device. Gene amplification by RT-PCR requires mRNA purified from cell lysates and the temperature regulation during the reaction procedure. We designed an RT-PCR micromodule consisting of a microcolumn containing packed oligo(dT) microbeads and a temperature control system. The developed RT-PCR micromodule has a sufficient gene amplification function and can be applied to as a micro total gene expression analysis system.