Digital PCR Chip With On-Chip Micro-Slot Array for Impedance Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing PCR systems, particularly traditional fluorescent and electrochemical systems, are not portable, cost-effective, or suitable for point-of-care applications due to their complexity and requirement for expensive optical instruments, and they lack real-time DNA concentration measurement capabilities using electrical impedance detection.
Innovation Solution
A digital PCR chip with an on-chip micro-slot array based on impedance detection, incorporating a micro-slot array, power management unit, clock generation module, digital control logic, driver module, analog-to-digital converter, and backscatter module, which uses wireless power transmission and eliminates the need for external instruments by measuring impedance changes within micro-slot cells.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional fluorescent PCR instruments are used, then detection accuracy is maintained, but device complexity and cost increase due to complex optical instruments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the optical detection system with an electrical impedance detection system. Instead of using fluorescent markers and optical instruments to detect PCR amplification, the invention uses electrodes to measure impedance changes in the sample, substituting a complex optical-mechanical system with a simpler electrical measurement system that achieves the same detection purpose.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and removes the complex optical instrument components from the PCR detection system. By eliminating fluorescent markers, light sources, and optical detection pathways, the patent isolates the essential detection function and implements it through a simplified electrical impedance measurement approach using integrated electrodes.
2Measurement precision
If electrochemical PCR system uses voltammetry to measure impedance, then signal detection is enhanced, but additional pre-marking processes and intercalation agents are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs self-service detection where the PCR sample itself provides the detection signal through its inherent electrical impedance properties. The DNA amplification process naturally alters the ionic composition and conductivity of the reaction mixture, allowing the sample to serve as its own indicator without requiring external fluorescent markers or intercalation agents.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention removes the pre-marking process and intercalation agents from the detection system. By extracting these additional chemical components and processing steps, the patent simplifies the overall workflow while maintaining detection capability through direct electrical impedance measurement of the PCR reaction mixture.
3Adaptability or versatility
If qPCR systems are used for clinical applications, then technical market coverage is achieved, but portability and cost-effectiveness are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated chip device. The PCR reaction chambers, electrodes for impedance measurement, and signal processing circuits are all integrated into one compact unit, eliminating the need for separate instrumentation and enabling portable deployment for clinical applications.
Solution Approach 2:
By replacing bulky optical instruments with miniaturized electrical impedance sensors and integrated circuits, the patent enables portability while maintaining clinical utility. The electrical detection system requires no complex optical alignment or large light sources, allowing the entire system to be packaged in a portable format suitable for point-of-care testing.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables accurate, portable, and cost-effective digital PCR analysis without pre-labeling or complex optical instruments, enhancing detection efficiency and simplicity by using impedance detection principles.
Implementation Method 1
An PCR technology is gradually entering the markets based on electrochemical impedance spectroscopy technology (EIS). As the name implies, the technology uses the principle of measurement of electrochemical impedance, and measures the change of impedance after different PCR cycles in every microchamber unit
Implementation Method 2
By applying a stimulator at a specific frequency and amplitude to electrodes, the real and imaginary impedance of samples after different PCR cycles can be obtained
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a digital PCR chip with on-chip micro-slot array based on impedance detection and its manufacturing method. The a digital PCR chip with on-chip micro-slot array based on impedance detection includes a micro-slot array, a power management unit, a clock generation module, a digital control logic module, a driver module, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), a backscatter module and a power-on-reset module, where the power management unit generates a standard voltage and current. The clock generation module generates clocks required for the digital module, the ADC, and an excitation for impedance test. The power-on-reset module generates a reset signal for a digital circuit, and the backscatter module completes wireless transmission of an ADC output signal to an upper computer, and the digital control logic completes sequential gating and time-division measurement of micro-slot cells.