PCR Disc Micro-Needle Tunnelling Channel for Sample Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lab-on-a-disc technologies face challenges in integrating a PCR process due to the inability to withstand high temperature and pressure vapor, which prevents effective sample retention in PCR chambers during DNA or RNA amplification.
Innovation Solution
A PCR disc apparatus utilizing a micro-needle tunnelling channel made of black thermoplastic resin, where the micro-needle is built and hardened within the resin, and then escapes to form a channel under centrifugal force, allowing sample transfer and subsequent closure by laser heating to maintain the sample within the PCR chamber under high temperature and pressure conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing hole valves are used in the lab-on-a-disc, then the device structure is simple, but they fail to withstand high temperature and high pressure vapor during PCR denaturation, causing sample leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is segmented into multiple functional layers: a support layer providing structural integrity, a membrane layer with a hole that can deform under pressure, and a cover layer with a protrusion that seals against the membrane. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function while collectively achieving reliable sample retention under high temperature and pressure conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve incorporates dynamic elements including a deformable membrane that can expand or contract in response to pressure changes, and a protrusion that can move between sealed and open positions. This dynamic behavior allows the valve to automatically respond to vapor pressure during PCR cycles while maintaining sample containment.
2Reliability
If a longer physically closed length is used in the valve to withstand high temperature and pressure, then sample retention improves, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The valve structure employs nesting where the protrusion from the cover layer fits into or against the membrane layer, creating a compact sealed configuration. This nested arrangement achieves the required sealed length without requiring a long linear structure, thereby simplifying manufacturing while maintaining reliability under high temperature and pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane layer is designed as a thin, flexible film that can deform under vapor pressure while maintaining the seal. This flexible film approach allows the valve to withstand high temperature and pressure conditions without requiring a long rigid closed structure, making the device easier to manufacture while ensuring reliable sample retention.
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 micro-needle tunnelling channel effectively prevents sample leakage during PCR, enabling reliable DNA amplification by maintaining the sample within the PCR chamber, even under high temperature and pressure conditions, thus overcoming the limitations of existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
escaping the micro-needle from the black thermoplastic resin by means of the strong centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the disc
Implementation Method 2
melting the black thermoplastic resin through laser heating to allow the micro-needle tunnelling channel to be melted to close the inlet chamber of the PCR chamber
Implementation Method 3
melting the black thermoplastic resin through laser heating
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a polymerase chain reaction (hereinafter, referred to as ‘PCR’) disc apparatus for performing a PCR on a compact disc and an analysis method using the same, more specifically to a PCR disc apparatus and an analysis method using the same that are capable of allowing micro-needle tunnelling channels and different types of chambers to be integratedly arranged on a compact disc to perform DNA or RNA amplification, so that in a situation such as Coronavirus disease pandemic, a user can perform PCR analysis of non-face-to-face easily even at home to permit a doctor to remotely check PCR analysis results through the Internet network.