Selecting 3D chatoic flow states for accelerated DNA replication in micro-scale convective PCR
Conference Paper
Overview
Identity
Additional Document Info
View All
Overview
abstract
We have recently reported a surprising finding that chaotic advection in micro-scale flow geometries can be harnessed to greatly enhance the rate of thermally activated biochemical reactions (e.g., the polymerase chain reaction (PCR)). Here we present the first 3D computational analysis of coupled flow and reaction that provides a time-resolved mapping of the DNA replication process as it unfolds. We then apply the resulting 3D flow trajectories as inputs to a mathematical model to quantitatively characterize the "strength" of the chaotic component of fluid motion. Residence time analysis of virtual particles in the flow revealed that the flow has a strong chaotic component in wider geometries in comparison with taller geometries (quasi periodic motion). Our model can quantify the doubling times of these reactions capturing the lag, exponential and plateau phases of PCR. It predicts that doubling times are lower in wider geometries, in agreement with experimental results. These new insights, not captured in previous 2D models, enable us to rationally select flow conditions where chaos is introduced din a controlled way to enhance the reaction rate. Copyright (2011) by the Chemical and Biological Microsystems Society.
