Method and apparatus for concentrating and amplifying nucleic acid in single micro chamber

Abstract

A method of sequentially performing concentration and amplification of nucleic acid in a single micro chamber includes: introducing a nucleic acid-containing sample and a solution including a kosmotropic salt to a micro chamber having a hydrophilic interior surface to concentrate the nucleic acid by binding the nucleic acid on the interior surface of the micro chamber; and performing a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) by adding a PCR mixture to the chamber. Since the nucleic acid is reversibly bound to the interior surface of the micro chamber, PCR yield is higher compared with a surface of aluminum oxide in which irreversible binding occurs. In addition, all processes are sequentially performed in a single micro chamber so that the number of samples, consumables, time, and labor for treatment and analysis can be reduced, detection sensitivity can be improved, and risk of sample cross contamination significantly reduced without sample loss by eliminating transporting of the sample. A complete automated system for concentration and amplification of nucleic acid is thus readily provided.