In this paper, researchers discuss how microfluids can be used in genetic and epigenetic sample preparation.
This study describes multiple microfluidic approaches aimed at streamlining and enhancing genetic and epigenetic sample preparation methods, including bisulfite conversion, DNA extraction, and virion enrichment. Since the completion of the Human Genome Project in 2003, the nucleic acid (NA) code has continually been leveraged to provide actionable information to patients for personalized care and to enable statistically irrefutable matches for forensic human identification (HID). As such, the research and development focused on the miniaturization and automation of tools for NA analysis has increased year after year. Regardless of the application, the methods associated with the preparation of genetic material for downstream analysis are arguably the most vital. As an alternative to forensic genetic identification by short tandem repeats (STRs), probing epigenetic variation can provide information related to HID. In particular, examining the methylation of cytosine at targeted locations along the genome has provided mechanisms to differentiate between monozygotic twins, predict smoking habits, and estimate chronological age within ~1 year of accuracy, to name a few. This work was completed in response to the 2020 global pandemic and with support from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Rapid Acceleration of Diagnostics (RADx) initiative to enhance viral surveillance and containment efforts.