Invited talk by Pavel Neuzil (professor at the School of Mechanical Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University in Xi’an, P.R. China, and the School of Electrical Engineering, Brno University of Technology in the Czech Republic).
Introduction by Stella Vallejos (IMB-CNM researcher).
About the talk
In this presentation, I'll outline the evolution of a miniaturized system designed for real-time polymerase chain reactions (real-time PCR), tailored for point-of-care diagnostic uses. This journey began around a decade ago at A*STAR Singapore with a rudimentary apparatus. This initial device utilized a micromachined silicon heater and a disposable glass slide for conducting cost-effective PCR tests. Initially, the fluorescence monitoring system was separate. We achieved the capability to complete 40 PCR cycles in under 6 minutes. Subsequently, we integrated the fluorescence system into our first-generation device, significantly enhancing its compactness. This integration laid the groundwork for developing truly portable lab-on-a-chip (LOC) systems, potentially beneficial for educational purposes.
Expanding on this technology, we created the world’s smallest single and dual-color real-time PCR system, based on the same foundational platform. This system can simultaneously analyze four samples, including both positive and negative controls and two test samples. In my presentation, I'll demonstrate our system's effectiveness in detecting RNA or cDNA of various viruses, including Avian Influenza, Ebola, Dengue Fever, and SARS-CoV-2.
Additionally, we have developed a miniaturized digital PCR system and a novel single-color PCR multiplexing method. This technique is particularly useful for identifying chromosomal abnormalities using noninvasive methods by analyzing the mother’s blood, such as trisomy 21 or 18, by comparing the ratios between Chromosomes 21 and 18, indicative of fetal genetic disorders during pregnancy.
Lastly, I will introduce a contemporary microfluidics layout design system. This system simplifies the creation of custom chip layouts, applicable to both MEMS and microfluidics, which may be of significant interest to the audience designing chips.
About the speaker
Pavel Neuzil earned his PhD in Electrical Engineering from Czech Technical University (CTU) in Prague, Czech Republic, focusing on integrating ion-sensitive field-effect transistors for pH sensing. His postdoctoral work was at the University of Illinois, and he later served as a research fellow at Stanford University, both in the USA. He was also a technical staff member at the Institute of Microelectronics in Singapore. Neuzil's research centered on advanced MEMS and nanotechnology, targeting applications like magneto-optical recording and thermal imaging. He subsequently joined the Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology in Singapore, contributing to the creation of the fastest PCR system using micromachined silicon. His interest shifted towards portable, cost-effective, and straightforward systems for point-of-care diagnostics using molecular methods. Leading his team, Neuzil developed the most compact single and dual-color real-time PCR, as well as single-color digital PCR systems. He also played a key role in inventing several PCR multiplexing methods. As a prolific researcher, he has co-authored 150 journal publications and co-invented 10 patents. Currently, he is a professor at the School of Mechanical Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University in Xi’an, P.R. China, and the School of Electrical Engineering, Brno University of Technology in the Czech Republic. His primary research interests include nucleic acid diagnostics systems, microcalorimetry, and nanostructured surfaces.