A PCR Technique Out of Left Field

Biomedical engineers at Vanderbilt University have designed a new handheld device that uses left-handed DNA (L-DNA) to monitor and control the molecular reactions that take place in PCR. The L-DNA is fluorescently tagged, and provides information on the reactions taking place – a spectrophotometer detects the varying levels of fluorescence in the sample. Based on the hybridization state of the DNA, the device adjusts its thermal cycling, allowing it to adapt to variations in the reaction and compensate for errors.

Figure 1. The handheld “adaptive” PCR system. The spectrophotometer (left) detects fluorescence in the sample (center). Image credit: Anne Rayner, Vanderbilt University.

The aim of the innovation is to improve the reliability of PCR and shrink the required equipment down to improve accessibility. Dubbed “adaptive PCR,” the approach removes the need for thermal calibrations and cycling programs and reduces the impact that environmental conditions have on the success of the reaction. Its small size also means it can be transferred easily from the lab to the clinic.

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References

1. NM Adams et al., “Adaptive PCR based on hybridization sensing of mirror-image l-DNA”, Anal Chem, 89, 728-735 (2017). PMID: 28105843.

About the Author(s)

Roisin McGuigan

I have an extensive academic background in the life sciences, having studied forensic biology and human medical genetics in my time at Strathclyde and Glasgow Universities. My research, data presentation and bioinformatics skills plus my ‘wet lab’ experience have been a superb grounding for my role as an Associate Editor at Texere Publishing. The job allows me to utilize my hard-learned academic skills and experience in my current position within an exciting and contemporary publishing company.

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