title: Automated polymerase chain reaction in capillary tubes with hot air.
abstract: We describe a simple, compact, inexpensive thermal cycler that can be used for the polymerase chain reaction. Based on heat transfer with air to samples in sealed capillary tubes, the apparatus resembles a recirculating hair dryer. The temperature is regulated via thermocouple input to a programmable set-point process controller that provides proportional output to a solid state relay controlling a heating coil. For efficient cooling after the denaturation step, the controller activates a solenoid that opens a door to vent hot air and allows cool air to enter. Temperature-time profiles and amplification results approximate those obtained using water baths and microfuge tubes.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, University of Utah Medical School, Salt Lake City 84132.
authors.forename: C T
authors.initials: CT
authors.lastname: Wittwer
authors.forename: G C
authors.initials: GC
authors.lastname: Fillmore
authors.forename: D R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Hillyard
mesh_terms: D000388:Air; D001322:Autoanalysis / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D004269:DNA, Bacterial / Q000235:genetics; D004259:DNA-Directed DNA Polymerase; D005784:Gene Amplification; D005898:Glass; D005914:Globins / Q000235:genetics; D006358:Hot Temperature; D006801:Humans; D007700:Kinetics; D009691:Nucleic Acid Denaturation; D019914:Taq Polymerase
chemical_list: D004269:DNA, Bacterial; D005914:Globins; D019914:Taq Polymerase; D004259:DNA-Directed DNA Polymerase