This project addresses the emerging challenge of optimizing DNA enzymatic reactions for digital data storage applications using microfluidic technologies. DNA data storage requires the parallel synthesis of millions of unique sequences, necessitating ultra-small reaction volumes and high kinetic efficiency. The project proposes the development of an ultrasound-driven micro-mixing module to enhance key DNA-modifying enzymatic reactions (specifically restriction and ligation) within microfluidic systems.
Using a combination of computational modelling (COMSOL, MATLAB), advanced prototyping (MEMS/piezoceramic integration), and experimental validation (electrophoresis, spectrophotometry, fluorescence assays and nanopore sequencing), the project addresses a critical challenge in lab-on-a-chip systems: inefficient reagent mixing under laminar flow conditions. To overcome this, a microfluidic system for enzymatic reactions will be developed and integrated with ultrasonic piezoceramic transducers or MEMS actuators to induce acoustic streaming. Kinetic data from enzymatic assays will be used to construct models describing the influence of acoustic fields on enzyme performance. The outcomes will include a functional prototype, validated kinetic models, and optimized microscale mixing strategies.
Project funding:
Research Council of Lithuania, Projects of Postdoctoral fellowships funded by the state budget of the Republic of Lithuania
Period of project implementation: 2026-01-02 - 2027-12-31
Project coordinator: Kaunas University of Technology
