Thermoelectric Semiconductor Structure for Portable PCR Temperature Cycling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional PCR apparatuses for infectious disease testing are expensive, large, and inconvenient for individuals in sparsely populated areas or those requiring mobility, necessitating a more flexible and mobile approach for accurate testing.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor structure with p-type and n-type thermoelements generating temperature differences through the Peltier effect, integrated with a microfluidic system for cyclic temperature variations, enabling a portable and efficient PCR process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional PCR apparatuses are used, then accurate DNA amplification is achieved, but the devices are expensive, large, and inconvenient for mobile use
Solution Approach 1:
The conventional PCR apparatus is segmented into a microfluidic chip containing miniaturized reaction chambers and integrated thermoelectric temperature control elements. This segmentation reduces the overall device size while maintaining the essential PCR functions, enabling portable use without sacrificing amplification accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple PCR functions (reaction chambers, temperature control, fluid handling) are merged into a single integrated microfluidic chip. The thermoelectric elements are directly integrated with the reaction chambers, combining heating/cooling functions with the reaction vessels themselves, thereby reducing device complexity and size while preserving measurement precision
2Temperature
If conventional thermocycler machines are used, then proper temperature cycling for PCR is achieved, but the machines are relatively expensive and not suitable for home or remote environments
Solution Approach 1:
The conventional mechanical heating system in thermocyclers is replaced with solid-state thermoelectric elements (Peltier devices) that can be directly integrated into the microfluidic chip. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical heating assemblies, reducing manufacturing cost and device size while maintaining precise temperature cycling control necessary for PCR
Solution Approach 2:
Temperature control is transitioned from a macro-scale mechanical system to a micro-scale integrated system where thermoelectric elements are positioned in direct thermal contact with the reaction chambers within the chip. This dimensional reduction enables precise temperature control in a compact, cost-effective format suitable for portable and home use
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
Facilitates a small, portable, and cost-effective system for performing PCR tests, allowing rapid and accurate analysis of DNA samples in various locations.
Implementation Method 1
A semiconductor structure with p-type and n-type thermoelements generating temperature differences through the Peltier effect
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor structure and a microfluidic system comprising the semiconductor structure are disclosed. The semiconductor structure comprises a thermoelement layer. The thermoelement layer comprises p- and n-type thermoelements. These thermoelements form regions wherein respective region is associated with a specific temperature range, where achieving the specific temperature range is based on an electron or hole current flowing through the thermoelements. The semiconductor structure forms part of the microfluidic system comprising a microfluidic channel having a meander extension across regions having different temperature ranges. This allows a fluid flowing in the microfluidic channel being exposable to cyclic temperature variations.