PCR Device Dual Heating Blocks Rapid Thermal Cycling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current PCR devices either require complex temperature control circuits for accurate heating and cooling in single-chamber designs or have complicated structures with long flow channels for multi-chamber designs, leading to extended reaction times and potential inefficiencies in nucleic acid amplification.
Innovation Solution
A PCR device featuring two separate heating blocks on a substrate, with a movable chip holder that allows for precise temperature control between the blocks, enabling rapid temperature changes and minimizing heat exchange between them, thus optimizing the denaturing, annealing, and extension steps in nucleic acid amplification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single reaction chamber is used with one heating block, then the overall structure is simple, but complicated circuits are needed for accurate temperature control and total PCR time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The single heating block is divided into two separate heating blocks (first heating block and second heating block) that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows parallel temperature control for different reaction chambers, enabling simultaneous denaturing and annealing/extension processes, thus reducing total PCR time without complicating the overall device structure
2Device complexity
If multiple reaction chambers are used with one heating block, then complicated circuits for temperature control are avoided, but a long flow channel is necessary and separate control device is required
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single heating block controlling multiple reaction chambers through complex flow channels, the invention segments the heating function into two independent heating blocks, each capable of independently controlling temperature for one or more reaction chambers. This eliminates the need for long flow channels and separate flow rate control devices while maintaining simple temperature control
3Productivity
If two heating blocks are used separately, then temperature control accuracy is improved and PCR time is reduced, but heat exchange between blocks may occur
Solution Approach 1:
A support structure with insulating members is introduced as an intermediary between the first and second heating blocks. The insulating members prevent direct heat exchange between the two heating blocks while allowing both blocks to maintain their respective temperatures independently. This enables rapid temperature changes for PCR cycles without energy loss through unwanted heat transfer
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 design significantly reduces PCR time by allowing for faster temperature changes (20°C/sec) and maintains accurate temperature control, enhancing the efficiency and reliability of nucleic acid amplification reactions.
Implementation Method 1
A heating wire may be disposed in each of the first and second heating blocks
Implementation Method 2
a chip holder that is capable of being moved left-right and/or up-down by a driving means over the first and second heating blocks
Data Source
AI summary
According to the present invention, a PCR device including two heating blocks which is used for nucleic acid amplification reactions is disclosed. Using the PCR device of the present invention, nucleic acid amplification reactions can be efficiently performed.