Plasmonic Nanostructure Layer for Rapid PCR Thermal Cycling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional PCR reaction containers suffer from slow heat ramp and cooldown rates due to poor thermal conductivity, limiting the efficiency and speed of nucleic acid amplification processes.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a plasmonically active and thermally conductive nanostructure layer onto PCR reaction containers, capable of absorbing a broad spectrum of light in the ultraviolet-visible-near infrared range, enabling rapid heat transfer through photothermal or joule heating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If traditional PCR reaction containers are used, then the device structure is simple, but the heat ramp and cooldown rates are slow due to poor thermal conductivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by integrating a nanostructure layer with plasmonically active and thermally conductive properties onto the PCR reaction container. This composite structure combines the optical absorption capabilities of plasmonic nanomaterials with the thermal conductivity needed for rapid heating and cooling, thereby resolving the contradiction between simple device structure and high heat ramp/cooldown rates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the thermal and optical parameters of the reaction container by coating it with a nanostructure layer that has high thermal conductivity and high light absorption in the UV-visible-NIR range. This parameter change enables rapid photothermal conversion and heat transfer, achieving fast heat ramp and cooldown rates without fundamentally altering the basic container structure.
2Productivity
If large reaction volumes are used, then the sample capacity is sufficient, but the temperature uniformity is poor and the thermocycling speed is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical/conductive heating system with a photothermal system. Light energy is absorbed by the plasmonic nanostructure layer and converted to heat, which then transfers to the sample. This optical-to-thermal energy conversion mechanism enables rapid and uniform heating throughout the reaction volume, overcoming the limitations of traditional thermal conduction methods.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the nanostructure layer absorbs broad spectrum light, then the photothermal heating efficiency is high, but the material selection is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a nanostructure layer with specific local optical and thermal properties on the container surface. The plasmonic nanomaterials are engineered to have high absorption cross-sections in the UV-visible-NIR range and high thermal conductivity, concentrating these desirable properties at the container-sample interface where they are most needed for efficient photothermal heating.
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 approach significantly reduces thermal cycling time from approximately 45 minutes to less than 10 minutes, enhancing the speed and efficiency of nucleic acid amplification by increasing heat ramp and cooldown rates.
Implementation Method 1
The plasmonically active and thermally-conductive nanostructure layer, which can be conformally integrated onto all forms of PCR reaction chambers, provides high heat ramp and cool down rates through photothermal or joule heating
Implementation Method 2
The feature dimensions of the nanostructure layer may be tuned to absorb most or nearly all of light in the ultraviolet-visible-near infrared wavelength ranges (e.g., about 250 nm to about 1000 nm)
Implementation Method 3
The plasmonically active and thermally-conductive nanostructure layer, which can be conformally integrated onto all forms of PCR reaction chambers, provides high heat ramp and cool down rates
Implementation Method 4
The assay repository device including: an assay container having an interior surface and being configured to house an assay solution; and a nanostructure layer conformally integrated onto the assay container and directly contacting the interior surface, the nanostructure layer being plasmonic and thermally conductive
Data Source
AI summary
An assay repository device for photothermal or joule heating includes an assay container having an interior surface and being configured to house an assay solution, and a nanostructure layer conformally integrated onto the assay container and directly contacting the interior surface, the nanostructure layer being plasmonic and thermally conductive, and including a plurality of nanofeatures having non-uniform sizes and/or non-uniform shapes.