An integrated microfluidic chip for chromosome enumeration using fluorescence in situ hybridization

Abstract

Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) is a powerful technique for probing the genetic content of individual cells at the chromosomal scale. Conventional FISH techniques provide a sensitive diagnostic tool for the detection of chromosomal alterations on a cell-by-cell basis; however, the cost-per-test in terms of reagent and highly qualified labour has prevented its wide-spread utilization in clinical settings. Here, we address the inefficient use of labour with the first integrated and automated on-chip FISH implementation, one that requires only minutes of setup time from the technician. Our microfluidic chip has lowered the reagent use by 20-fold, decreased the labour time by 10-fold, and substantially reduced the amount of support equipment needed. We believe this cost-effective platform will make sensitive FISH techniques more accessible for routine clinical usage.