PCR Chip with Integrated Electro-Wetting Drive and Temperature Cycling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional PCR amplification instruments are large, inconvenient for real-time detection, and require complex peripheral devices that can cause pollution and affect the accuracy and repeatability of DNA amplification results, with manual preparation processes being time-consuming and labor-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A PCR chip with integrated sample mixing, temperature cycling, and product collection regions, driven by a unit group of driving units that allow a liquid drop to sequentially pass through these regions, enabling efficient temperature control and reducing manual operations through electro-wetting principles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional PCR amplification instruments are used, then DNA amplification can be performed, but the instruments are large and require complex peripheral devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions (sample mixing, temperature cycling, product collection) into a single chip structure, eliminating the need for separate peripheral devices. The driving units, temperature control components, and reaction regions are merged into one integrated platform, significantly reducing instrument size and complexity while maintaining amplification capability
Solution Approach 2:
The chip is designed with multi-functional regions that can perform sample adding, mixing, temperature cycling, and product collection within a single device. This universal design allows one instrument to replace multiple separate devices, reducing overall system complexity and size
2Productivity
If manual preparation processes are used, then sample preparation can be performed, but the process is time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The chip incorporates driving units that automatically move liquid drops through the sample adding region, mixing region, and temperature cycling region without manual intervention. The system performs self-service operations including automated mixing, temperature cycling, and product collection, eliminating time-consuming manual preparation steps
Solution Approach 2:
The chip is pre-configured with integrated regions and driving mechanisms that are ready to perform preparation operations automatically. The sample adding region, mixing region, and temperature cycling region are pre-arranged in sequence, allowing immediate automated processing without manual setup time
3Reliability
If complex peripheral devices are used, then PCR amplification can be performed, but pollution can occur affecting accuracy and repeatability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the amplification process from complex peripheral devices and transfers it to an integrated chip structure. By removing the need for external pumps, valves, and connecting tubes, the system eliminates potential pollution sources while maintaining amplification accuracy and repeatability through the sealed chip design
Solution Approach 2:
The chip acts as an intermediary platform that performs all critical operations in a sealed, controlled environment. The integrated structure prevents contamination between sample and reagent handling, ensuring amplification accuracy without requiring complex external pollution control measures
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 integration simplifies the system structure, reduces operating costs, and facilitates real-time detection by lowering environmental requirements and minimizing manual operations while maintaining the accuracy and efficiency of DNA amplification.
Implementation Method 1
enabling efficient temperature control and reducing manual operations through electro-wetting principles
Implementation Method 2
The first temperature control component is in the first temperature region and is configured to allow the first temperature region to stay at a first temperature, so as to enable a gene segment in the liquid drop to be annealed
Implementation Method 3
The second temperature control component is in the second temperature region and is configured to allow the second temperature region to stay at a second temperature, so as to enable the gene segment in the liquid drop to refold
Data Source
AI summary
A chip for polymerase chain reaction, a method of operating a chip for polymerase chain reaction, and a reaction device are provided. The chip includes: a sample adding region, a mixing region, a temperature cycling region in a sequential arrangement, and at least one driving unit group. The at least one driving unit group includes a plurality of driving units and is configured to drive a liquid drop to move and sequentially pass through the sample adding region, the mixing region, and the temperature cycling region.