Inductive Reaction Container for Rapid PCR Thermal Cycling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Thermal cycling in existing reaction containers for nucleic acid amplification is inefficient in terms of time and energy, and precise temperature control is challenging.
Innovation Solution
The use of an inductively heatable susceptor material with low thermal mass in the reaction container walls, enabled by an induction coil, for rapid and precise heating and cooling of biological samples.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional thermal cycling methods are used in reaction containers, then temperature control is achieved, but the process is inefficient in terms of time and energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical heating and cooling systems with induction heating technology. The induction coil generates an electromagnetic field that directly induces eddy currents in the susceptor material integrated into the reaction container wall, converting electromagnetic energy directly into heat at the sample location. This eliminates the inefficiencies of conventional thermal conduction through thick container walls, achieving rapid and efficient thermal cycling with reduced time and energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the thermal properties of the reaction container by integrating a susceptor material with specific magnetic and electrical properties into the container wall. This susceptor material has high electrical conductivity and magnetic permeability, enabling it to efficiently convert electromagnetic energy into heat through eddy currents and hysteresis losses. The modified thermal parameters of the container wall allow for rapid heat transfer to the sample while maintaining precise temperature control during thermal cycling.
2Measurement precision
If conventional heating methods are used, then heating is achieved, but temperature control precision and accuracy are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates temperature sensing elements that continuously monitor the sample temperature and provide feedback to the control system. The controller adjusts the induction coil power output in real-time based on the temperature feedback, maintaining precise temperature control during thermal cycling. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures accurate temperature regulation despite variations in sample composition, volume, or environmental conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The induction heating system provides superior temperature control precision compared to conventional heating methods. The electromagnetic field directly couples with the susceptor material, creating a controlled and uniform heating zone. The rapid response time of induction heating allows for precise temperature adjustments, while the ability to independently control heating and cooling rates enables accurate reproduction of complex thermal cycling profiles required for nucleic acid amplification.
3Speed
If conventional reaction container materials are used, then structural integrity is maintained, but heating uniformity and speed are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite reaction container structure consisting of a conventional structurally stable material (such as plastic or glass) combined with an integrated susceptor material layer. The susceptor layer, made of electrically conductive and magnetically permeable material, is embedded in or coated onto the inner surface of the container wall. This composite structure maintains the structural integrity and chemical inertness of the base material while adding the thermal responsiveness needed for rapid and uniform induction heating.
Solution Approach 2:
The susceptor material is strategically positioned in specific regions of the reaction container wall that are in direct contact with or closest to the sample. This localized placement ensures that heating occurs primarily where needed, achieving uniform temperature distribution in the sample while minimizing heat loss to surrounding structures. The local quality enhancement allows rapid heating without compromising the overall structural stability of the container.
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
This approach enables efficient, rapid, and accurate temperature control during thermal cycling with low energy consumption, allowing for precise temperature control and uniform heating of biological samples.
Implementation Method 1
at least part of the wall comprises an inductively heatable susceptor material for heating the biological sample
Implementation Method 2
the inductively heatable susceptor material has a low thermal mass enabling rapid induction heating
Data Source
AI summary
A reaction container for a nucleic acid amplification reaction of a biological sample. The reaction container comprises a wall having an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface defines a cavity for containing the biological sample. At least part of the wall comprises an inductively heatable susceptor material for heating the biological sample.