Hybridization of DNA to bead-immobilized probes confined within a microfluidic channel

We report the factors influencing the capture of DNA by DNA-modified microbeads confined within a microfluidic channel. Quantitative correlation of target capture efficiency to probe surface concentration, solution flow rate, and target concentration are discussed. The results indicate that the microfluidic system exhibits a limit of detection of 10^-10 M (10^-16mol) DNA and a selectivity factor of 8 × 10³. Typical hybridization times are on the order of minutes.