DNA ligation using a disposable microfluidic device combined with a micromixer and microchannel reactor

A novel PDMS and glass-based microfluidic device consisting of a micromixer and microreactor for DNA ligation is described in this article. The new passive type planar micromixer is 10.33 mm long and composed of a straight channel integrated with nozzles and pillars, and the microreactor is composed of a serpentine channel. Mixing was enhanced by convective diffusion facilitated by the nozzles and pillars. The performance of the micromixer was analytically simulated and experimentally evaluated. The micromixer showed a good mixing efficiency of 87.7% at a 500 μL/min flow rate (Re = 66.5). DNA ligation was successfully performed using the new microfluidic device, and ligation time was shortened from 4 h to 5 min. When used for on-chip ligation, this new micromixer offers advantages of disposability and portability.