Multi-Channel PCR Fluorescence Measurement with Rotating Optical Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing PCR devices with multi-channel fluorescence measurement capabilities are limited in their ability to perform rapid fluorescence measurements across multiple independent temperature cycles, as they can only analyze one sample carrier at a time through a single temperature cycle.
Innovation Solution
The arrangement and method involve two heating elements with movable measuring heads and a rotatable fluorescence unit, allowing for simultaneous excitation and detection of fluorescence across multiple samples using multiple optical modules and light guides, enabling independent temperature cycles and synchronized fluorescence measurement across multiple samples.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single fluorescence unit is used for multiple sample carriers, then device complexity and cost are reduced, but the ability to perform simultaneous fluorescence measurement across multiple independent temperature cycles is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the fluorescence measurement function into multiple independent measuring heads, each capable of simultaneously measuring one sample carrier. This segmentation allows parallel processing of multiple samples while sharing a single fluorescence unit, resolving the contradiction between device simplicity and analysis throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
A single fluorescence unit is designed to serve multiple sample carriers through a modular architecture where the unit can be accessed by multiple measuring heads. This multi-functionality enables the system to maintain low device complexity while achieving high productivity through shared resources.
2Productivity
If fluorescence measurement time is shortened for rapid PCR, then productivity is improved, but the time intervals for performing fluorescence measurements become shorter and more difficult to manage
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs fluorescence measurements continuously across multiple temperature cycles without interruption. By maintaining continuous measurement capability through parallel measuring heads, the system eliminates idle time between measurements and optimizes the use of brief measurement windows in rapid PCR protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares multiple sample carriers in advance for sequential or parallel measurement, allowing fluorescence measurements to be scheduled optimally across temperature cycles. This preliminary arrangement enables efficient time management of brief measurement intervals in rapid PCR.
3Productivity
If multiple sample carriers are analyzed simultaneously, then analysis throughput is increased, but the ability to perform independent temperature cycles for each sample is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the temperature cycle control into independent channels for each sample carrier while sharing the fluorescence measurement unit. This allows each sample to undergo independent temperature cycling at different rates, maintaining adaptability while increasing throughput through parallel measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts temperature cycles for different sample carriers independently while coordinating fluorescence measurements through a shared unit. This dynamic control enables flexible, independent temperature programming for each sample while maintaining high analysis throughput through parallel processing.
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 rapid and efficient multi-channel fluorescence measurement across multiple samples, reducing device costs and increasing analysis throughput by allowing multiple samples to undergo different temperature cycles while using a single fluorescence unit.
Implementation Method 1
at least one optical module which is arranged at least partially on the carrier, and which serves for generating excitation light having at least one predeterminable wavelength
Implementation Method 2
suitable fluorescent dyes are used, which indicate an increased fluorescence when the desired reaction product is formed, or which are bound terminally to special probes and are each changed during the desired reaction in such a manner that increased fluorescence occurs
Implementation Method 3
a coupling module, which in each case has a receptacle for at least one light guide for guiding the excitation light from the fluorescence unit to the measuring heads and for guiding the fluorescence light from the measuring heads to the fluorescence unit
Data Source
AI summary
An arrangement and method for polymerase chain reaction with multi-channel fluorescence measurement includes two heating elements, each including a sample receptacle for receiving a sample carrier, wherein the sample receptacles each have a plurality of cavities; two measuring heads, each movable relative to the heating elements, wherein each measuring head is configured such that excitation light is coupled into each of the cavities and fluorescence light can be coupled out from the cavities; a fluorescence unit including: a rotatable carrier; at least one optical module disposed on the carrier and configured to generate the excitation light having at least one wavelength; and a detection unit for detecting a fluorescence in the cavities; and a coupling module configured for guiding the excitation light from the fluorescence unit to the measuring heads and for guiding the fluorescence light from the measuring heads to the fluorescence unit.