Microfluidic Systems (MFSI) is Granted a Microfluidic Cartridge Patent for DNA Separation

Microfluidic Systems (MFSI) is Granted a Microfluidic Cartridge Patent for DNA
Separation

FREMONT, Calif., March 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Microfluidic Systems, a
privately-held company, announced today that they were granted US patent
number 7,491,527 for an automated microfluidic DNA separation cartridge. This
microfluidic cartridge technology was developed specifically to automate the
separation of male and female human DNA from forensic samples specifically
related to rape cases. In determining the identity of a rape perpetrator, it
is imperative that the DNA from the victim and perpetrator be separated prior
to analysis such as with the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique and/or
DNA sequencing. Currently, the laboratory procedure to perform this tedious
DNA processing technique, referred to differential extraction, involves
numerous laboratory-based, labor-intensive techniques that are subject to
contamination and human error. The benefit of implementing this process into
an automated, closed, and disposable device are apparent and will help
expedite the processing of the large backlog of rape identification cases
throughout the world.

"We are very excited about the issuance of this fundamental microfluidic
cartridge device patent," commented Dr. M. Allen Northrup, MFSI President and
CEO. "This technology and similar technologies that MFSI is developing for
automated pathogen processing and detection should go a long way toward
extending powerful molecular biology techniques into the field."

Microfluidic Systems (MFSI), www.microfluidicsystems.com , was founded in 2001
and is focused on the development of microfluidic systems for automated
preparation of biological assays. MFSI personnel have been involved with the
development of automated DNA-based pathogen detection systems and
microfluidics for the US Government and commercial markets for over 12 years,
including the world's first miniaturized, portable, battery-operated,
real-time, polymerase-chain-reaction (PCR)-based detection system. For more
information, please contact MFSI at 510-354-0400 or visit the website,
www.microfluidicsystems.com.

Statements in this press release are forward-looking. Actual results might
differ from these statements due to unforeseen events and uncertainties. MFSI
disclaims any intention to or obligation to update these forward-looking
statements.

CONTACT: Allen Northrup of Microfluidic Systems, +1-510-354-0400, ext.
201, northrup@microfluidicsystems.com

SOURCE Microfluidic Systems

Allen Northrup of Microfluidic Systems, +1-510-354-0400, ext. 201,
northrup@microfluidicsystems.com