Light-Digital PCR Chamber With Photothermal Heating

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing PCR devices face challenges such as high costs, long detection times, and limitations in rapid diagnosis due to reliance on electric energy for thermal cycling, and issues with quenching of PCR fluorescent materials in light-based methods.

Innovation Solution

A light-digital PCR chamber and device utilizing a transparent substrate with a metal thin film layer, a light shielding layer, and a microchannel structure, which uses light energy to generate thermal energy for rapid temperature cycling and prevents quenching of fluorescent materials through a light shielding layer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If light energy is used to generate thermal energy for rapid temperature cycling, then reaction time is reduced, but quenching of fluorescent materials occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereaction timeVSAvoidquenching of fluorescent materials

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into distinct functional layers: a transparent substrate for light transmission, a metal thin film layer for photothermal conversion, a light shielding layer to prevent quenching, and a microchannel structure for sample containment. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function without interfering with others, solving the contradiction between rapid heating and fluorescent material protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The light shielding layer acts as an intermediary between the light source and the fluorescent materials. It blocks harmful light from reaching the fluorescent materials while allowing the metal thin film layer to convert light to heat for rapid temperature cycling. This intermediary resolves the contradiction by preventing direct interaction between light and fluorescent materials that would cause quenching.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Temperature

If electric energy is used as thermal energy source, then temperature control is achieved, but detection time increases to 1 hour or more

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature controlVSAvoiddetection time

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces the conventional electric heating system with a photothermal conversion system. Light energy is converted to thermal energy by the metal thin film layer, enabling rapid temperature cycling without the delays associated with electric heating elements. This substitution reduces detection time from over an hour to approximately 10-11 minutes while maintaining precise temperature control through optical means.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If existing PCR devices are used, then amplification reaction is performed, but equipment volume is large and portability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveamplification reactionVSAvoidequipment volume

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention transitions from conventional three-dimensional bulk heating structures to a two-dimensional planar microchannel structure with thin film layers. This dimensional reduction allows the PCR device to be flattened and miniaturized, significantly reducing equipment volume while maintaining amplification reaction capability. The microchannel structure enables efficient heat transfer across the thin profile, making the device portable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

The solution enables fast and sensitive PCR analysis with a small sample amount, reducing reaction time to about 10-11 minutes and increasing detection capacity by 10 times, while maintaining high sensitivity and accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

uses light energy to generate thermal energy for rapid temperature cycling

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotothermal conversion: Photoacoustic Effect

Implementation Method 2

prevents quenching of fluorescent materials through a light shielding layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight shielding: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS12458970B2Light-digital PCR chamber and light-digital PCR device using same

Publication Date: 2025.11.04 KOREA RES INST OF BIOSCIENCE & BIOTECHNOLOGY

AI summary

The present invention relates to a light-digital PCR chamber and a light-digital PCR device. The light-digital PCR chamber comprises: a transparent substrate; a metal thin film layer formed on the transparent substrate; a light shielding layer formed on the metal thin film layer; and a microchannel structure formed on the light shielding layer. The light-digital PCR device comprises a laminate comprising a transparent substrate, a metal thin film layer formed on the transparent substrate, and a light shielding layer formed on the metal thin film layer.