A DNA sample-preparation system, Sandia’s digital microfluidic hub (DMH) cleverly uses tiny microdroplets of fluid as cargo containers to logically route DNA samples among different action-modules to prepare DNA for ultrahigh-throughput sequencing. Although sequencing itself is now a rapid endeavor, it can require days to prepare DNA for high-throughput sequencers. The DMH automates and greatly reduces this DNA-sample preparation time.

The DMH, interfaces with a variety of modules that can, for example, amplify or purify DNA. Microdroplets shuttle their DNA cargo among these modules, in a fashion organized and driven by the DMH.

The hub’s microfluidics are superimposed upon its electrical grid, which routes microdroplets along hydrophobic surfaces through shifting electric fields.

This trafficking can be manually controlled, for example, from a tablet or laptop, but would more commonly be controlled by software preprogrammed to perform a sequence of tasks on the DNA cargo carried by the microdroplets. Capillaries not much wider than a human hair deliver minuscule volumes of fluids onto the hub’s surface for this purpose.

The entire system is quite compact and portable; and readily deployable in the field. This renders DNA forensics a potentially point-of-care endeavor. From molecular biology research to early detection and response, to potential pandemic events and other public health emergencies, rapid, low-cost DNA sequencing is key. And through DNA sequencing, personal genomics is poised, in the future, to identify individual predisposition to diseases, drug sensitivities, and other genetically controlled individualized traits. The digital microfluidic hub’s contribution to rapid, low-cost sample preparation in all these arenas will be an extremely important facilitator.