Methods and instruments for continuous-flow PCR on a chip

PCR is the most commonly used method to identify DNA segments. Several methods have been used to miniaturize PCR and perform it in a microfluidic chip. A unique approach is the continuous-flow PCR, where the conventional thermocycling is replaced by pumping the sample through a channel which meanders over stationary temperature zones, allowing fast temperature changes in the sample due to the low thermal mass as well as a continuous production of PCR products. In this paper we present a system comprising a polymer microfluidic chip, a thermocycler unit and the protocols necessary to perform fast continuous-flow PCR including experimental results in comparison with a conventional PCR system.