An integrated microfluidic chip for chromosome enumeration using fluorescence in situ hybridization.
Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) is a powerful technique for probing the genetic content of individual cells at the chromosomal scale. Conventional FISH techniques provide a sensitive diagnostic tool for the detection of chromosomal alterations on a cell-by-cell basis; however, the cost-per-test in terms of reagent and highly qualified labour has prevented its wide-spread utilization in clinical settings. Here, we address the inefficient use of labour with the first integrated and automated on-chip FISH implementation, one that requires only minutes of setup time from the technician. Our microfluidic chip has lowered the reagent use by 20-fold, decreased the labour time by 10-fold, and substantially reduced the amount of support equipment needed. We believe this cost-effective platform will make sensitive FISH techniques more accessible for routine clinical usage.
Sieben
Vincent J
VJ
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, 2nd Floor ECERF, University of Alberta, Edmonton, CanadaT6G 2V4.
Debes-Marun
Carina S
CS
Pilarski
Linda M
LM
Backhouse
Christopher J
CJ
D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D006801:Humans; D017404:In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence / Q000379:methods; D007963:Leukocytes, Mononuclear; D046210:Microfluidic Analytical Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D032681:Spectral Karyotyping / Q000379:methods*