Multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on a SU-8 chip

We present the detection of Campylobacter at species level using multiplex PCR in a micro fabricated PCR chip. The chip is based on the polymer SU-8 that allows integration with different microfluidic components, e.g., sample pre-treatment before PCR, and DNA detection simultaneously with or after the PCR. The chip performs very well with respect to heating and cooling rates with values up to around 40 °C/s and 20 °C/s, respectively, and has low power consumption (0.5–2.5 W depending on temperature). Multiplex DNA amplification by PCR for the detection of Campylobacter at species level was performed successfully on the chip with results comparable to conventional PCR methods. Microsystems often show serious PCR inhibition due to a high surface to volume ratio which causes an increased proclivity of the PCR mix ingredients to stick to the surfaces. To avoid this, a simple method of dynamic surface modification by adding BSA to the PCR mix was utilized.