A MEMS-based approach to detection of single nucleotide polymorphisms for genetic disorder diagnosis

This paper presents an integrated, MEMS-based approach to the detection of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). This SNP detection approach aims to eliminate complicated fluidic control operations by using a single-chamber microfluidic device, which incorporates polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and single base extension (SBE) on microbeads. Experimental results demonstrate that the device is capable of performing bead-based PCR, chemical elution, thermal elution, bead-based SBE, and on-chip desalting, which together potentially allow rapid, simple, accurate, multiplexed and highly efficient detection of SNPs.