Ligation-based mutation detection and RCA in surface un-modified OSTE+ polymer microfluidic chambers

For the first time, we demonstrate DNA mutation detection in surface un-modified polymeric microfluidic chambers without suffering from bubble trapping or bubble formation. Microfluidic devices were manufactured in off-stoichiometry thiol-ene epoxy (OSTE+) polymer using an uncomplicated and rapid fabrication scheme. The device performance was compared to that of PMMA and PDMS devices. In OSTE+ devices, we were able to perform ligation-based mutation detection and rolling circle amplification (RCA) assays directly on the un-modified surface without suffering from bubble formation or enzyme inhibition during bio-operation at elevated temperatures. In contrast, PMMA, PDMS and COP microfluidic devices required specific surface treatment.