A silicon lab-on-chip for integrated sample preparation by PCR and DNA analysis by hybridization

LabOnChip devices are emerging around the world as new tools to characterize biological events and samples. They offer new solutions for fast, specific, automated, low cost and high throughput analysis. By merging proprietary technologies of the French Atomic Energy Commission (CEA-Grenoble, France) and ST Microelectronics, we have developed prototypes of a disposable stand-alone point-of-care device which performs DNA sample preparation and analysis on grafted DNA probes. The presented prototypes consist of a 3 cm/sup 2/ silicon core presenting integrated microfluidics using embedded channels, DNA bearing electrodes, heat resistors and temperature control. Results presented demonstrate the technological and biological compatibilities of the device and give preliminary results of PCR and hybridization efficiencies.