Segmented Thermal Block for PCR Temperature Zoning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for tempering liquids in PCR and nucleic acid amplification reactions are limited by slow heating and cooling rates, inaccuracy, and the inability to perform multiple reactions simultaneously, especially when combining solid and liquid phases, leading to potential false-positive or false-negative results due to unwanted reactions.
Innovation Solution
A device with a rotationally symmetrical container and multiple tempering elements allows for the creation of different temperature zones within a single container, enabling fast and precise heating and cooling cycles, allowing for simultaneous execution of various biochemical reactions by immobilizing reactants on the container's surface and guiding them through defined temperature zones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single tempering block is used for heating and cooling liquids in PCR reactions, then the device structure is simple, but the heating and cooling rates are slow (5-7°C per second) and cannot perform multiple reactions simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The tempering block is segmented into multiple independent tempering zones (first tempering zone, second tempering zone, etc.), each capable of independent temperature control. This allows different reactions to occur simultaneously at different temperatures, dramatically increasing productivity while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Each tempering zone is equipped with its own heating and cooling elements, allowing local temperature control tailored to specific reaction requirements. This enables different parts of the device to have different thermal properties, optimizing performance for multiple simultaneous reactions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the liquid phase is used for all reactions, then temperature control is fast and accurate, but solid phase reactions cannot be performed
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed to accommodate both liquid phase and solid phase reactions simultaneously through different tempering zones. The first tempering zone handles liquid phase reactions while the second tempering zone handles solid phase reactions, making the device universally applicable to multiple reaction types without compromising temperature control speed.
3Productivity
If multiple primers are used simultaneously in solution, then multiplex testing is possible, but unwanted reactions occur leading to false results
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple primer-based reactions are segmented into different tempering zones, physically separating reactions that would otherwise interfere with each other in solution. This allows multiplex testing (high productivity) while preventing unwanted cross-reactions (high reliability).
Solution Approach 2:
Each tempering zone is optimized for specific reaction conditions, allowing different primer sets to be tested simultaneously under their optimal local conditions without interfering with other reactions, thereby maintaining both productivity and result accuracy.
4Reliability
If samples are divided into multiple aliquots for individual testing, then false-positive and false-negative results are reduced, but analysis time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple individual tests that would normally require separate sample aliquots and sequential analysis are merged into a single device with multiple tempering zones. Different tempering zones process different reactions simultaneously, maintaining the reliability of individual testing while dramatically reducing total analysis time and cost.
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 precise and rapid temperature control, reducing the risk of unwanted reactions, allowing for multiple simultaneous tests with high precision and accuracy, minimizing errors and costs associated with sample division, and optimizing analysis time.
Implementation Method 1
the tempering elements of the at least one tempering block can be brought into heat exchanging contact with the lateral surface and/or with the base surface of the container to be tempered
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device for thermally regulating a rotationally symmetrical container having a lateral surface and/or a base surface, said device comprising at least one thermal-regulation block which is suitable for accommodating the container and has at least two thermal-regulation elements, wherein the thermal-regulation elements in the at least one thermal-regulation block exchange heat with the lateral surface and/or with the base surface of the container to be thermally regulated.