Microplate Thermal Uniformity via Dual-Side Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microplates with high-density wells face challenges in achieving homogeneous and uniform thermal conductivity and stability, particularly during PCR and qPCR processes, leading to inconsistent reaction conditions and reduced reproducibility.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a microplate with a thin, uniform well bottom and a rigid frame support, combined with separate tempering units and a control unit, ensures homogeneous heat conduction and stability through precise temperature control, using thermoplastic polymers without added conductive media and a transparent sealing foil for uniform heating and imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high-density microtiter plates with many wells are used, then productivity is improved, but thermal conductivity uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The heating function is segmented into multiple independent heating zones corresponding to different well positions. Each zone can be controlled separately to compensate for thermal gradients across the plate, ensuring uniform heating conditions in all wells regardless of their location.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the microplate are assigned different heating characteristics. The heating system provides localized thermal control for each well or group of wells, allowing each region to receive the precise heating it needs to achieve uniform reaction conditions across the entire plate.
2Ease of manufacture
If thermoplastic polymers without conductive media are used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but thermal conductivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A separate heating element or heating block acts as an intermediary between the power source and the reaction medium. This external heating system compensates for the low thermal conductivity of the thermoplastic plate material, delivering uniform heat to all wells without requiring conductive additives in the plate itself.
3Measurement precision
If separate tempering units are used, then temperature control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tempering units are designed to perform multiple functions: heating, cooling, and temperature maintenance. The same hardware infrastructure supports different temperature profiles for different reaction stages, eliminating the need for separate specialized components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple tempering units are integrated into a single coordinated system that shares common control architecture, software, and mechanical infrastructure. The units work together as a unified temperature control system rather than independent devices, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining precise control.
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 enables precise and uniform application of process parameters across the entire microplate, enhancing the reproducibility and efficiency of PCR and qPCR processes while maintaining the form-stability of microplates, allowing for automated high-throughput reactions.
Implementation Method 1
a first temperature-controlled plate (31a) with a planar seat (31a, 31b) to conform to the flat bottom side (154) of the disposable (1)
Implementation Method 2
In case of PCR they require a sample preparation, amplification of the sample, and product analysis according to a prescribed protocol... The thermocycler is also able to rapidly heat and chill samples
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a system comprising at least one disposable comprising one or more wells in a body, wherein the wells are capable of acting as vessel for one or more chemical, biochemical or molecular biological reactions requiring one or more prescribed reaction temperatures according to a prescribed protocol, said body comprising a flat bottom side building a first heating surface capable of homogeneously conducting heat into the wells and a flat upper side comprising well openings sealed by means of a transparent sealing foil building a second heating surface capable of homogeneously conducting heat in the wells, said body being arranged in a rigid frame support; one or more separate tempering units TUx, each tempering unit TUx comprising at least one first temperature-controlled plates with a planar seat to conform to the flat bottom side of the disposable; transport means comprising a carrier in which the disposable is placed and a moving mechanism for moving the disposable into and/or out of the tempering unit TUx and for contacting one of the heating surfaces of the disposable with the first temperature-controlled plates; a control unit comprising one or more processors configured to activate the tempering units TUx and the transport means for the one or more chemical, biochemical, or molecular biological reactions. The solution of the present invention is particularly adapted for high throughput reactions or assay.