Handheld Micro PCR Device Using LTCC Chip for Rapid Thermal Cycling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional PCR systems face challenges with slow thermal cycling due to high sample and container heat capacities, leading to extended amplification times and undesirable reactions during temperature transitions, which consume reagents and produce interfering compounds.
Innovation Solution
A handheld micro PCR device utilizing a disposable Low Temperature Co-fired Ceramics (LTCC) micro PCR chip with an integrated heater and thermistor, coupled with a portable computing platform for real-time monitoring and control, enables rapid and specific thermal cycling through rapid temperature transitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional PCR systems are used with standard sample containers, then the system is simple to operate, but the thermal cycling time is extended to 2-6 hours due to high heat capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable micro PCR chips with integrated heating elements that have low heat capacity. These single-use chips eliminate the thermal mass problem of reusable containers while enabling rapid thermal cycling. The disposable nature allows for optimized thermal design without concern for durability, directly resolving the contradiction between cycling speed and amplification time.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the thermal parameters of the reaction container by using microfabricated chips with significantly reduced volume and heat capacity compared to conventional tubes. This parameter change enables faster heating and cooling rates, reducing the amplification time from hours to minutes while maintaining operational simplicity through standardized chip interfaces.
2Duration of action of moving object
If rapid temperature transitions are implemented, then amplification time is reduced, but extraneous reactions occur during temperature transitions that consume reagents and create interfering compounds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies rapid temperature transitions that quickly skip through intermediate temperature zones where extraneous reactions occur. By minimizing the dwell time at problematic intermediate temperatures through fast heating and cooling rates enabled by the low thermal mass chips, the system rushes through the dangerous thermal zones, reducing reagent consumption by unwanted side reactions while maintaining short amplification times.
3Quantity of substance
If microfabrication technology is used to miniaturize the reaction system, then reagent consumption is reduced and analysis time is shortened, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated micro chip structure. The reaction chamber, heating element, temperature sensor, and optical detection features are all fabricated together in one monolithic device using low-temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) technology. This integration reduces reagent volume to microliter scales while managing complexity through functional consolidation rather than separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite material structures, particularly LTCC substrates that combine ceramic layers with embedded metallic heating traces and electrical connections. This composite approach enables miniaturization and integration of thermal control functions while maintaining manufacturability and managing the complexity of microfabricated devices through established ceramic processing techniques.
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 solution significantly reduces PCR amplification time from 2 to 6 hours to less than 30 minutes, enhancing DNA fidelity and purity by minimizing time at undesirable intermediate temperatures and allowing for real-time fluorescence detection.
Implementation Method 1
a heater control to regulate the heater on basis of input received from a temperature sensor
Implementation Method 2
a heater control to regulate the heater on basis of input received from a temperature sensor
Implementation Method 3
an optical detection system to detect a fluorescence signal from the sample
Data Source
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AI summary
Instant invention is about a hand held micro PCR device comprising a LTCC micro PCR chip comprising a heater, a reaction chamber to load a sample. It also comprises a heater control to regulate the heater on basis of input received from a temperature sensor. It further has an optical system having an optical fiber to detect a fluorescence signal from the sample, and at least one communication interface to interact with other device(s).