Application Cases

【Overview】

In this study, the Aigtek ATA-2042 high-voltage amplifier was used to build an experimental platform for DNA capture based on a microfluidic chip. Compared with traditional detection methods, microfluidic technology is more convenient. Due to its enclosed structure, this technology can shorten sample processing time, reduce manual operation costs, minimize interference and contamination, and reduce sample loss to a minimum. In addition, because the internal reaction volume of the microfluidic chip is small, reagent consumption can be reduced and results can be obtained more quickly. cfDNA is essentially highly fragmented DNA and is diluted in the patient's blood. Selecting an appropriate sample preparation method can significantly reduce the false-negative rate associated with cfDNA detection. Microfluidic technology for separating cfDNA from background contaminants can achieve higher cfDNA yield during extraction, provide more effective processing means, and reduce damage to DNA.

Experiment name: Application of microfluidics-based acoustic streaming mixing and efficient capture in cfDNA

Experimental principle: In a multi-chamber microfluidic chip, an acoustic field drives the oscillation of the gas/liquid interface in the chamber, forming significant pressure and velocity gradients and inducing fluid flow, allowing the cfDNA-containing sample to fully contact the magnetic beads immobilized by a magnetic field in the chip; by regulating the flow rate (1 μL/s), the chip stably generates bubbles, and under the optimal driving frequency of 10 kHz and a driving condition in which the effect increases with voltage within the range of 0–30 V, the acoustic streaming mixing effect is enhanced. Capture is achieved through the adsorption of cfDNA by the magnetic beads. The introduction of the acoustic field can greatly improve the contact efficiency between the sample and the magnetic beads, thereby significantly increasing the cfDNA capture rate.

Experimental block diagram:

Experimental photo:

Experimental photo of microfluidics-based acoustic streaming mixing and efficient capture in cfDNA application
Experimental process: This paper first designs and fabricates a multi-chamber microfluidic chip, builds an experimental platform including a precision syringe pump, a piezoelectric controller, etc., then uses Comsol to simulate the fluid flow and mixing patterns in the chamber under an acoustic field, and then determines through experiments the flow rate for stable bubble generation and the optimal frequency and voltage for acoustic mixing. Finally, a controlled experiment on cfDNA capture with and without an acoustic field is carried out, completing sample processing and elution, followed by detection of DNA concentration and calculation of the capture rate.

Application directions: microfluidic chip R&D field, tumor precision diagnosis and treatment field, clinical testing field, biomedical research field

Product advantages of Aigtek amplifiers in this application:

1. High-voltage output capability — drives the piezoelectric sheet to generate a sufficiently strong acoustic field, ensuring stable bubble vibration and efficient mixing

2. Wide bandwidth and low-frequency response capability — precisely matches the driving frequency, ensuring stable excitation of the bubble resonance mode

3. Dual-channel independent output and precisely adjustable gain — supports independent driving of multiple chambers and fine voltage regulation

【Recommended product】: ATA-2000 series high-voltage amplifier

Figure: ATA-2000 series high-voltage amplifier specifications and parameters