Thin-Layer Assay Thermal Cycling for Rapid Uniform Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chemical, biological, and medical assays, particularly PCR, face challenges in achieving rapid and uniform temperature changes due to issues like large plate deformation, sample thickness changes, and air bubble formation during thermal cycling, which can lead to reaction failure.
Innovation Solution
The use of two movable thin plates to compress a liquid sample into a uniform thin layer, combined with a clamp design to maintain plate fixation during temperature changes, and a radiation absorbing layer to facilitate rapid temperature cycling, along with a low thermal capacity sample holder and area heater element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional thermal cycling methods are used, then temperature control is achieved, but temperature change speed is slow and uniformity is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The sample is divided into a thin layer between two plates, increasing the surface area to volume ratio and enabling faster and more uniform heat transfer during thermal cycling
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses movable plates that can dynamically adjust their position and pressure during thermal cycling, allowing the sample layer thickness to be optimized for different temperature conditions and preventing deformation
2Speed
If plate thickness is reduced to increase temperature ramping speed, then thermal response improves, but plate deformation and structural stability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
Two thin plates are combined to form a sandwich structure that holds the sample, where each plate can be kept thin for fast thermal response while the combined structure provides mutual support and reduces individual plate deformation
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses thin plate structures that are flexible enough to conform to thermal expansion and contraction, preventing structural failure while maintaining fast thermal response
3Manufacturing precision
If sample layer is compressed into thin uniform layer, then temperature uniformity improves, but sample thickness control and bubble prevention become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary clamp mechanism that mediates between the two plates, applying uniform pressure to maintain sample layer uniformity while preventing air bubble formation during compression and thermal cycling
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 enables rapid temperature ramping speeds and uniform temperature control, minimizing deformation and bubble formation, thereby enhancing the reliability and efficiency of assays like PCR.
Implementation Method 1
a radiation absorbing layer to facilitate rapid temperature cycling
Implementation Method 2
One aspect of the present invention is to use two movable thin plates to compress a liquid sample into a uniform thin layer
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides devices, systems, and methods for rapid and easy-to-use in sample thermal cycling or temperature changes for the facilitation of reactions such as but not limited to PCR.