Microfluidic Nanoarchitectonics for High-Yield DNA Extraction: A Novel Approach to Efficient On-Chip Sample Preparation

DNA extraction is critical in nucleic acid testing, typically requiring multiple reagents, centrifugal separations, and manual processes. While microfluidic devices offer promise for point-of-care applications, they often face challenges in on-chip sample preparation, particularly in extracting DNA from blood samples. Although microfluidics minimizes the need for complex fluidic actuation components, its effectiveness in DNA extraction has been limited. This study presents a microfluidic-based methodology that integrates blood, magnetic beads, various liquids, and intricate processes within a continuous microchannel with passive mixing capabilities. The extracted DNA demonstrates a purity of 1.8 (A260/A280) and 83 ng/μL yield. This approach minimises manual intervention, reduces reagent consumption, and shortens processing time, making it well-suited for point-of-care diagnostics. By incorporating passive mixing and continuous flow, the proposed platform overcomes key challenges in on-chip sample preparation, offering a simplified workflow for field diagnostics. This method is particularly beneficial for emergency and remote healthcare settings, where rapid and efficient DNA extraction is essential for timely diagnosis.