文摘
Continuous monitoring of the environment for infectiousdiseases and related biowarfare agents requires theimplementation of practical cost-effective methodologiesthat are highly sensitive and specific. One compatiblemethod employed in clinical diagnostics is real-timepolymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis. The utility ofthis technique for environmental monitoring is limited,however, by the utilization of single-use consumables incommercial PCR instruments. This greatly increasesmechanical complexity, because sophisticated roboticmechanisms must replenish the disposable elements. Analternative strategy develops an autonomous monitoringsystem consisting of reusable modules that readily interface with fluidic circuitry in a flow-through scheme. Thereduced complexity should increase reliability whiledecreasing operating costs. In this report, we describe areusable, flow-through PCR module that functions as onecomponent in such a system. This module was rigorouslyevaluated with Bacillus anthracis genomic DNA anddemonstrated high repeatability, sensitivity, and efficiency, with no evidence of sample-to-sample carryover.
