Segmented Heating Elements for PCR Thermalization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nucleic acid amplification methods, such as PCR, face challenges in efficiently heating the reaction volume, leading to prolonged thermalization times and high energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A method for nucleic acid amplification using a PCR device with a heating means that consists of one or more electrically contacting heating elements in direct contact with the reaction volume, where the heating elements supply less heat during the denaturation step, achieving a maximum temperature increase of less than 10°C and minimizing energy usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional heating methods are used to heat the reaction volume during PCR, then the denaturation temperature can be achieved, but the thermalization time is prolonged and energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system is segmented into multiple independent heating elements (first heating element, second heating element, third heating element) that can be controlled separately. This allows selective heating of different regions of the reaction volume, enabling faster and more efficient thermalization compared to conventional uniform heating methods.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the reaction volume are heated with different heating elements based on local requirements. The first heating element heats the first region, the second heating element heats the second region, and the third heating element heats the third region, allowing optimized thermalization time and energy distribution across the reaction volume.
2Temperature
If conventional heating methods are used to heat the reaction volume during PCR, then the denaturation temperature can be achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system is divided into multiple independently controllable heating elements, allowing energy to be applied only where and when needed. This segmented approach reduces overall energy consumption compared to conventional methods that heat the entire reaction volume uniformly.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of heating the entire reaction volume to the denaturation temperature, the patent applies heating partially to specific regions (first region, second region, third region) only when needed for the PCR process, thereby reducing total energy consumption while achieving the required thermal conditions for nucleic acid amplification.
3Speed
If heating elements supply high heat during the denaturation step, then the denaturation temperature can be achieved rapidly, but temperature control precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system is segmented into multiple independently controllable heating elements, allowing precise control of temperature in different regions. This enables rapid heating when needed while maintaining precise temperature control by adjusting individual heating elements based on real-time temperature requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating elements are dynamically controlled with adjustable heating power, allowing the system to transition between rapid heating modes and precise temperature maintenance modes. This dynamic control enables both fast denaturation and precise temperature control throughout the PCR cycles.
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 allows for rapid nucleic acid amplification with reduced energy consumption, shorter PCR cycles, and improved control over temperature fluctuations, enabling more efficient and cost-effective nucleic acid amplification.
Implementation Method 1
a heating means that consists of one or more electrically contacting heating elements in direct contact with the reaction volume, where the heating elements supply less heat during the denaturation step
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for the amplification of nucleic acids by means of a polymerase chain reaction in a reaction volume, wherein the reaction volume is heated by using electrical energy. In at least one of the passages of the amplification cycle of the polymerase chain reaction, the ratio of the electrical energy used in the denaturation step to heat the reaction volume to the size of the reaction volume is less than 20 Joule per millilitre. The invention further relates to the use of a device comprising a reaction vessel for receiving the reaction volume and a heating means consisting of one or a plurality of heating elements (1), which are in contact with the reaction volume in order to heat it, wherein at least one of the heating elements is conjugated to oligonucleotides (5), for the amplification of nucleic acids in a reaction volume. Lastly, the invention relates to a device for the amplification of nucleic acids in a reaction volume, which comprises a reaction vessel for receiving the reaction volume, and a heating means consisting of one or a plurality of heating elements (1), which are in contact with the reaction volume in order to heat it.