Segmented Thermal Cycler with Independent Zone Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thermal cyclers cannot independently vary critical parameters such as temperature, residence time, and mixture volume for individual reaction vessels within a single test series, requiring multiple test series or devices to optimize PCR reactions.
Innovation Solution
A thermal cycler with thermally isolated and independently controllable reaction vessel receiving elements, utilizing thermoelectric cooling devices and a non-thermally conducting gasket for airtight sealing and thermal isolation, allowing for simultaneous and optimized temperature control across a standard microtiter plate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single block thermal cycler is used to process multiple samples, then device simplicity is maintained, but independent temperature control for individual reaction vessels is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal cycler block is divided into multiple independently controlled zones, each capable of maintaining different temperatures. This segmentation allows independent temperature control for different reaction vessels while using a single integrated device, resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the thermal cycler block are assigned different thermal properties and control parameters tailored to specific reaction requirements. Each zone can be optimized for specific PCR protocols, enabling local customization of temperature conditions without affecting other regions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a temperature gradient block is used to vary temperatures across samples, then temperature variation is achieved, but precise independent control for each reaction vessel is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The gradient block is segmented into discrete controllable zones rather than a continuous gradient, allowing precise independent temperature setting for each zone. This maintains the ease of using a single block while achieving precise independent control for each reaction vessel.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal cycler employs dynamic control capabilities where each zone can independently adjust its temperature profile, heating rate, and cooling rate according to specific protocol requirements, enabling precise control while maintaining operational simplicity through automated programming.
3Productivity
If multiple test series are performed consecutively in one thermocycling device, then parameter optimization is possible, but time efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple independent thermal zones are merged into a single integrated device, allowing simultaneous execution of multiple different PCR protocols in parallel. This eliminates the need for sequential testing or multiple separate devices, significantly improving productivity while maintaining device integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal cycler is designed with universal functionality to handle diverse PCR protocols simultaneously across different zones, accommodating various temperature ranges, cycle numbers, and reaction conditions in a single device, thereby reducing the total number of devices needed.
4Adaptability or versatility
If reaction vessels are thermally connected in a single block, then thermal efficiency is improved, but thermal isolation for independent protocols is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal block is segmented into thermally isolated zones with minimal thermal coupling between adjacent regions. This segmentation provides the thermal isolation needed for independent protocol execution while maintaining sufficient thermal efficiency within each zone through optimized heat distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
Thermal barriers or insulating structures are introduced as intermediaries between adjacent thermal zones to prevent unwanted heat transfer. These intermediaries maintain thermal isolation between zones while allowing each zone to efficiently maintain its designated temperature profile.
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 independent temperature control and optimization of residence times and mixture volumes for each reaction vessel, enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of PCR processes, including multiplex PCR, by allowing different temperature settings and rates of change across a single microtiter plate.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of thermoelectric cooling devices (TEC) disposed to correspond to each of the plurality of reaction vessel receiving elements, wherein the TEC provides heating and cooling
Implementation Method 2
the gasket is composed of non-thermally conducting material and separates adjacent reaction vessel receiving elements to provide thermal isolation between adjacent reaction vessel receiving elements
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a thermal cycler for the carrying out of chemical or biological reactions, such as PCR or other nucleic acid amplification reactions, that is segmented with a plurality of reaction vessel receiving elements. The reaction vessel receiving elements are thermally isolated from each other and provide an airtight seal to prevent liquids or moisture from penetrating below the reaction vessel receiving elements. The reaction vessel receiving elements have several recesses arranged in a pattern to receive the reaction vessels of a single standard microtiter plate and the segmented thermal cycler has a system for independently heating and cooling each of the reaction vessel receiving elements.