Abstract
Recently, British company Molecular Sensing plc demonstrated its unique Genedrive technology that combines the PCR, microfluidics and sensor technology with a PC computer, to perform real-time DNA analysis (Laboratory News, December 2000). The Genedrive system consists of a ‘smartcard’ that has 32 independently regulated wells, into which a DNA-containing sample is added. The card is then slotted into a drive bay that, in turn, is mounted within a G4 Apple Macintosh computer. PCR amplification of the samples proceeds in the wells within the drive, with all reagents being delivered to the wells by microfluidics. Users can directly observe on-screen the course of the reaction and amount of target DNA produced, and the manufacturers claim that results are available up to six times faster than if ‘conventional’ PCR is used. The Genedrive quantifies DNA by measuring changes in electrical conductivity of magnesium ions associated with the DNA produced during amplification.
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