Handheld Device Separates Human DNA from Fluids in 2-3 Minutes

Daily Tech ^ | May 8, 2013 11:24 AM | Tiffany Kaiser

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

Current methods take 20-30 minutes

A new, hand-held device is capable of separating human DNA from fluid in just two or three minutes, and without any harmful chemicals.

Researchers from the University of Washington and Washington-based company NanoFacture have created a device that can quickly and simply separate DNA from human fluids for the purpose of genome sequencing, forensics and diagnosing diseases. 

Traditional methods of separating DNA from fluids use a centrifuge to separate DNA molecules or strain them from a fluid with a micro-filter. However, these techniques take 20 to 30 minutes, and may need toxic chemicals for completion.

The team -- led by Jae-Hyun Chung, a UW associate professor of mechanical engineering -- set out to create a better way. They did so by developing microscopic probes (called microtips and nanotips) that dip into a fluid sample of blood, saliva or sputum. An electric field is then placed within the liquid, and particles are brought to the surface of the probe. The bigger particles hit the tip and move away while DNA-sized molecules bind to the probe and are trapped on the surface. 

 

From there, it takes two or three minutes to separate and purify DNA.

Even better yet, the device can handle as many as four samples at once -- but can be scaled up to handle 96 samples at once. 

"It's very complex to extract DNA," said Chung. "When you think of the current procedure, the equivalent is like collecting human hairs using a construction crane. This simple process removes all the steps of conventional methods."

The device is ready to be manufactured at this point, and could eventually be distributed to clinics and hospitals. NanoFacture has already signed a contract with Korean manufacturer KNR Systems.

Source: Science Daily

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

Does this have an impact when available;?

Will be some time before it is.

[GraceG]

[SWAMPSNIPER]

We need something you can put a whole liberal in and spin the crap out of them

[NonValueAdded]

woodchipper?

[HangnJudge]

We need something you can put a whole liberal in
and spin the crap out of them

Already been done, on a small scale

[freedumb2003]

Pretty soon, there will be a hand-help DNA wand.

They just touch your skin with it and your genome will be instantly categorized.

[Seeing More Clearly Now]

“Pretty soon, there will be a hand-help DNA wand.

They just touch your skin with it and your genome will be instantly categorized.”

Yes, and that will the first thing one does after or during shaking hands with strangers at cocktail parties.

[bigbob]

They could name it “Mister DNA”

[BenLurkin]

Coming to your local Feder alized PD as soon as possible.

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

ROFL!

Wait....this handheld....first you have to shrink him....maybe a special laser.

[RebelTex]

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