title: PCR amplification using electrolytic resistance for heating and temperature monitoring.
abstract: An alternative method of rapid-cycle PCR for DNA amplification is demonstrated using electrolyte resistance for heating and temperature monitoring. The PCR amplification solution is electrically conductive and can be heated by passing an alternating current through the sample. The temperature of the solution is evaluated by monitoring its electrical resistance. Cooling is accomplished by forced air convection at ambient temperature. Heating and cooling rates of up to 20 degrees C/s were achieved. The 35 cycles of PCR were completed in less than 12 min with product yields equivalent to conventional temperature cycling. Electrolyte resistance provides a method for both direct heating and monitoring the temperature of PCR samples.
authors.affiliation: University of Utah, Salt Lake City, USA.
authors.forename: D M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Heap
authors.forename: M G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Herrmann
authors.forename: C T
authors.initials: CT
authors.lastname: Wittwer
mesh_terms: D002138:Calibration; D017097:Electric Impedance; D004572:Electrolysis / Q000379:methods*; D004587:Electrophoresis, Agar Gel; D005914:Globins / Q000235:genetics; D006358:Hot Temperature; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D013696:Temperature
chemical_list: D005914:Globins