Flow-based analysis: a versatile, powerful platform for DNA assays

Since it commenced in the 1970s, flow-based analysis has gone through three generations. The first generation (i.e. flow injection) provided revolutionary changes in conventional sample processing in terms of automation and economy. As the second generation, sequential injection offered great freedom in the design of the flow manifold in addition to further downscaling sample consumption. The recently proposed lab-on-valve brings to flow-based analysis the third generation, which significantly facilitates integration of various analytical units in the valve and provides great potential for miniaturization of the entire instrumentation. A literature search clearly demonstrated that flow-based analytical protocols have been widely employed in bio-assays. They provide an especially versatile, powerful platform for on-line DNA assays, including DNA quantification, purification, separation, sequencing, hybridization studies and damage investigations. The present review discusses up-to-date developments in these fields and sets out future perspectives.