Rotational PCR Chip with Centrifugal Separation and Thermal Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current PCR techniques face challenges in maintaining accurate temperature gradients and efficiently separating and purifying DNA or RNA samples, as existing methods often require multiple steps and equipment for temperature control and pretreatment, leading to inefficiencies and potential errors in DNA amplification.
Innovation Solution
A rotational PCR apparatus and method that uses a PCR chip rotating through multiple temperature zones, integrated with a pretreatment unit, allowing for simultaneous PCR and sample separation/purification using centrifugal force, with temperature zones formed by independently controlled heating blocks and a thermoreactive polymer valve for precise temperature control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional PCR equipment is used with separate temperature control systems, then temperature control is achieved, but device complexity and processing time increase due to multiple steps and equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pretreatment unit and PCR unit into a single integrated chip structure. The pretreatment unit performs sample preparation (lysis, purification) while the PCR unit performs amplification, both on the same chip. This integration eliminates the need for separate equipment for pretreatment and PCR, reducing device complexity and enabling continuous processing without transferring samples between devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The pretreatment unit performs sample preparation steps (cell lysis, DNA/RNA purification) before the PCR amplification step. By completing pretreatment operations in advance on the same chip, the system eliminates waiting time and transfer steps between separate devices, improving overall productivity while maintaining a relatively simple device structure.
2Loss of time
If multiple separate equipment are used for pretreatment and PCR, then sample processing is complete, but loss of time occurs due to transfer steps between equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the pretreatment unit and PCR unit into a single chip with connected channels. The pretreatment unit includes lysis beads and purification beads, while the PCR unit contains the amplification chamber. Sample solution flows continuously from the pretreatment unit through the connection to the PCR unit, eliminating transfer time between separate equipment while maintaining a unified device structure.
3Manufacturing precision
If temperature gradients are not precisely controlled, then PCR cycles are inaccurate, but maintaining accurate temperature gradients increases equipment complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature control system is divided into separate heating blocks for different zones: a first heating block for the pretreatment unit and a second heating block for the PCR unit. Each heating block can be independently controlled to maintain specific temperature gradients required for different PCR steps (denaturation, annealing, extension). This segmentation allows precise temperature control for each function while keeping the overall system relatively simple through modular design.
4Productivity
If integrated chip design is used, then productivity increases, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The chip is designed as a multi-functional integrated platform that performs pretreatment (lysis, purification) and PCR amplification in sequence. The universal chip structure with standardized heating blocks and temperature control can handle various sample types and PCR applications, achieving high-throughput processing while using relatively standard manufacturing techniques for the modular components.
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
Enables efficient DNA or RNA amplification with precise temperature control and integrated sample processing, reducing the need for additional equipment and improving the accuracy of PCR cycles while allowing for cost-effective high-throughput processing.
Implementation Method 1
capable of effectively performing separation and purification of sample by rotating the chip
Implementation Method 2
a temperature zone forming means spaced apart from the PCR chip, capable of applying thermal energy to the PCR chip and allowing the rotating PCR chip to pass through different temperature zones
Implementation Method 3
performing pretreatment of separating the target substance from a sample solution by sequentially flowing the sample solution, a washing buffer and an elution buffer from the pretreatment unit of the PCR chip to silica beads
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a rotational PCR apparatus, a PCR chip for the same and a rotational PCR method using the same.The disclosed rotational PCR apparatus includes: a PCR chip where PCR is performed; a rotating means connected to the PCR chip and rotating the PCR chip; and a temperature zone forming means spaced apart from the PCR chip, capable of applying thermal energy to the PCR chip and allowing the rotating PCR chip to pass through different temperature zones. The rotational PCR apparatus and method allow performance of PCR with wanted temperature condition and cycles by rotating the chip containing the target substance. Accordingly, a high-efficiency PCR process may be accomplished at low cost. Further, since the target substance can be effectively separated and purified utilizing the centrifugal force resulting from the rotating platform, separation and purification may be achieved economically without requiring additional equipments.