Utilising μ-PIV and pressure measurements to determine the viscosity of a DNA solution in a microchannel

There is currently considerable interest in the development of micro-scale polymerase chain reaction (PCR) systems. Smaller sample volumes are required than for macro-scale systems, and faster process times are feasible. Although much attention has focused on the output of micro-PCR (μ-PCR), little attention has been devoted to the detailed fluid mechanics of such devices. There are many technical challenges associated with systems of these length scales.