Real-time PCR applications

M.G. Pollack, P. Y. Paik, A. D. Shenderov, Investigation of electrowetting-based microfluidics for real-time PCR applications. In Proc. pTAS, 619-622... 

Makino, S. I. Cheun, H. I. Application of the real-time PCR for the detection of airborne microbial pathogens in reference to the anthrax spores. J. Microbiol. Meth. 2003,53,141-147. 

Wittwer, C. Hahn, M. Kaul, K. (Eds.). Rapid Cycle Real-Time PCR Methods and Applications. Springer-Verlag Berlin, 2004. 

Unlike other methods currently employed for quantitative transcript measurements, including cDNA microarrays and real-time RT-PCR, competitive RT-PCR is amenable to quality control, which is critical for clinical diagnostic and pharmaceutical industry applications. Furthermore, microarray approaches are limited to generating snap-shot like profiles, but they do not control for differences in hybridization efficiencies of different gene probes with their corresponding cDNAs. That is, cross comparisons are relative and not absolute. Real-time PCR has gained acceptance recently largely due to the reduced cost associated... 

Dietmaier W, Wittwer C, Sivasubramanian N. Rapid cycle real-time PCR methods and applications genetics and oncology. Berlin Springer,2002 205 pp. 

Wittwer CT, Hahn M, Kaul K. Rapid cycle real-time PCR—methods and applications quantification. Berlin Springer, 2004 223 pp. 

In order to apply the real-time PCR technology as a rapid, accurate, and direct detection tool for field or point-of-testing applications, it is highly desirable to miniaturize the real-time PCR instrument. To miniaturize the real-time PCR and make it a lab-on-a-chip method, one must realize the following two key functions (1) Control the on-chip thermal cycling, i.e., control the temperature of the PCR reaction wells on the chip. (2) Detect the fluorescent signals during the PCR. 

Gandelman OA, Church VL, Moore CA, Came C, Jalal H, Murray JAH, Tisi LC. BART - bioluminescent alternative to real-time PCR. In Szalay AA, Hill PJ, Kricka LJ, Stanley PE. eds. Bioluminescence and Chemiluminescence. Chemistry, Biology and Applications. Singapore World Scientific, 2007 95-8. 

Abstract In this perspective article, we introduce a potentially transformative DNA/RNA detection technology that promises to replace DNA microarray and real-time PCR for field applications. It represents a new microfluidic technology that fully exploits the small spatial dimensions of a biochip and some new phenomena unique to the micro- and nanoscales. More specifically, it satisfies aU the requisites for portable on-field applications fast, small, sensitive, selective, robust, label- and reagent-free, economical to produce, and possibly PCR-free. We discuss the mechanisms behind the technology and introduce some preliminary designs, test results, and prototypes. 

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