Superhydrophilic/Superhydrophobic Droplet Microarrays for Nucleic Acid Detection (poster)

The current gold standard for nucleic acids detection is reverse transcription quantitative polymer chain reaction qPCR (RT-qPCR). However, this assay relies on relative quantification, which requires an external calibration using genetic standards. Digital PCR (dPCR), on the other hand, partitions the nucleic acid template randomly into numerous reactors (e.g., microwells or droplets). Each copy of the nucleic acid is then amplified by PCR individually. By counting the number of positive reactors and using Poisson statistics, dPCR becomes quantitative without needing standard curve. Microstructured devices are used for performing PCR because of their enclosed structure that reduces sample
contamination risk, lower sample consumption, has a good sample dispersion, and the possibility of being integrated into point-of-care devices. Generally, droplets partitioning can be generated by two main categories: (1) water-in-oil emulsion and (2) solid microchambers/wells. While both methods are used for bioassays, 2D