New Microfluidics Technology Enhances DNA Condensate Formation

A research group led by Professor Hiroaki Suzuki and Takeshi Hayakawa from the Faculty of Science and Engineering at Chuo University has developed a novel microfluidics technology that enables the formation of highly uniform DNA condensates.

This method, published in the journal Materials Horizons, employs a low-cost vibration platform, utilizing vibration-induced local vortex technology, or VILV, which allows for precise control over condensate formation in a single aqueous phase.

The innovative platform bypasses complex microfluidic systems by employing micro-vortex arrays created by a standard piezoelectric vibrator, effectively capturing and concentrating DNA molecules to form uniform condensates while preserving the activity of sensitive biomolecular components.

The researchers successfully demonstrated the formation of complex patchy DNA structures, indicating the platform's potential for developing functional artificial cells and novel smart materials, which may significantly impact synthetic biology and cellular phase separation studies.