Microfluidic PCR Device with Intermittent Warming Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional PCR systems are limited by fixed thermal protocols, leading to inefficient thermal cycling times and inability to customize thermal ratios for denaturation, annealing, and elongation phases, resulting in prolonged PCR cycle times and reduced workflow efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of intermittent warming and cooling techniques using independently controllable temperature zones within a microfluidic device, allowing for customized thermal protocols and rapid temperature transitions, enabling faster PCR cycles with improved thermal uniformity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional fixed thermal protocols are used in PCR systems, then the PCR process can be completed with standard temperature cycling, but the thermal cycling times are prolonged and workflow efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from fixed, static thermal protocols to dynamic, adjustable thermal protocols. The thermal cycler allows real-time modification of temperature parameters, cycling times, and zone configurations during the PCR process, enabling optimization of each cycle based on specific nucleic acid amplification requirements, thereby reducing overall cycling time and improving workflow efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by allowing independent adjustment of multiple thermal parameters including temperature values, dwelling times, ramp rates, and the number of temperature zones. This enables customization of thermal protocols for different PCR applications, reducing the time required for each phase (denaturation, annealing, elongation) and accelerating the overall PCR process
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional fixed thermal protocols are used in PCR systems, then the system operation is simple, but the ability to customize thermal ratios for different PCR phases is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the thermal cycler into multiple independently controllable heating zones along the reaction channel. Each zone can be programmed with different temperature profiles and timing parameters, allowing customization of thermal ratios for denaturation, annealing, and elongation phases. This modular zone control enables flexible protocol design while maintaining manageable system complexity through standardized control architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by providing a programmable control system that allows users to define and modify thermal protocols dynamically. The system can adjust temperature, time, and zone activation based on specific PCR requirements, offering high adaptability while maintaining ease of operation through software-based configuration rather than hardware reconfiguration
3Loss of time
If rapid temperature transitions are implemented in PCR, then PCR cycle times are reduced, but thermal uniformity across the reaction volume may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by using multiple distributed heating zones that can be independently controlled to achieve uniform temperature distribution across the reaction volume. Even during rapid temperature transitions, each zone maintains precise control, ensuring thermal uniformity is preserved while enabling faster cycling through optimized ramp rates and simultaneous zone activation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through temperature sensing and control mechanisms that monitor thermal conditions in each zone and adjust heating power accordingly. This feedback control ensures that rapid temperature transitions do not compromise thermal uniformity, maintaining precision across the reaction volume while achieving faster cycle times through optimized heating profiles
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 significantly reduces PCR cycle times, enabling faster processing of multiple samples with reduced power consumption and increased efficiency, while maintaining high thermal uniformity across the reaction volume.
Implementation Method 1
warming a subset of a plurality of heating elements disposed adjacent to the channel of the microfluidic device to a particular temperature
Implementation Method 2
intermittently warming the biologic sample using the subset of heating elements while the biologic sample moves from the first end of the channel to the second end of the channel
Data Source
AI summary
Intermittent warming of a biologic sample including a nucleic acid includes receiving at a first end of a channel of a microfluidic device, a biologic sample including a nucleic acid, and warming a subset of a plurality of heating elements disposed adjacent to the channel. The method includes warming the heating elements to a particular temperature of a particular warming and cooling protocol. The method includes moving the biologic sample from the first end of the channel to a second end of the channel opposite the first end at a particular flow rate associated with the warming and cooling protocol, and intermittently warming the biologic sample using the subset of heating elements while the biologic sample moves from the first end of the channel to the second end of the channel.