Fluidic Chip Integrated DC Heater for Portable PCR
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional PCR devices require external thermal cyclers for heating and cooling, limiting their portability and increasing the number of steps in DNA testing processes, which can lead to errors due to human handling.
Innovation Solution
A fluidic chip with a built-in DC heater and conductive trace for uniform temperature control, integrated with a controller cassette for portable thermal cycling, allowing PCR to be performed directly on the chip and reducing the need for external equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external thermal cyclers are used for heating and cooling in PCR devices, then thermal cycling function is achieved, but portability is limited and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the thermal cycler heating element directly into the PCR reaction chamber, merging two previously separate functions (thermal cycling and PCR reaction) into a single integrated device. This eliminates the need for external thermal cyclers and enables portable PCR operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The PCR reaction chamber is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the reaction vessel and the thermal cycler heating element. The chamber can be directly heated by applying voltage across its conductive walls, eliminating the need for separate heating equipment.
2Reliability
If multiple stages including sample collection, storage, PCR, and testing are performed separately, then complete DNA testing is achieved, but the number of handling steps increases leading to more errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple testing stages (sample collection, storage, and PCR) into a single integrated fluidic chip. The chip includes sealed chambers that can store samples and perform PCR reactions without requiring transfer between different containers or equipment, thereby reducing handling steps and potential errors.
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 portable and efficient PCR operations within the fluidic chip, minimizing handling steps and reducing errors by integrating thermal cycling capabilities, thus enhancing the reliability and convenience of DNA testing.
Implementation Method 1
a conductive trace configured to be supplied with a DC voltage and to heat the discrete heating area to a uniform temperature when supplied with the DC voltage
Implementation Method 2
a conductive trace configured to be supplied with a DC voltage and to heat the discrete heating area to a uniform temperature when supplied with the DC voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A fluidic chip comprising: a sealing layer having an upper surface and a lower surface; and a formed part comprising a generally planar body having a lower surface sealed with the upper surface of the sealing layer, the generally planar body having a number of through holes and a number of wells in fluid communication with the number of through holes, wherein together with the upper surface of the sealing layer, the number of through holes and the number of wells respectively define a number of fluid inlets and a number of fluid chambers in fluid connection with each other in the fluidic chip.