Automated microfluidic system for RNA purification using a centrifugal force

Abstract

Herein, we demonstrated a simple, rapid and automated RNA purification system based on a centrifugal force using three passive capillary valves and a silica sol-gel matrix. We designed three reservoirs (sample, washing solution, elution buffer) which were connected with different dimensional microfluidic channels. By controlling RPM, we could dispense the RNA sample, washing solution, and elution buffer successively, so that the RNA was captured in the sol-gel solid phase, purified, and eluted. This novel rotary sample preparation system eliminates any complicated hardware and human intervention, and performs the RNA preparation with high speed and portability.