Thermosiphon-based PCR reactor: experiment and modeling.
A self-actuated, flow-cycling polymerase chain reaction (PCR) reactor that takes advantage of buoyancy forces to continuously circulate reagents in a closed loop through various thermal zones has been constructed, tested, and modeled. The heating required for the PCR is advantageously used to induce fluid motion without the need for a pump. Flow velocities on the order of millimeters per second are readily attainable. In our preliminary prototype, we measured a cross-sectionally averaged velocity of 2.5 mm/s and a cycle time of 104 s. The flow velocity is nearly independent of the loop's length, making the device readily scalable. Successful amplifications of 700- and 305-bp fragments of Bacillus cereus genomic DNA have been demonstrated. Since the device does not require any moving parts, it is particularly suitable for miniature systems.
Chen
Zongyuan
Z
Department of Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6315, USA.
Qian
Shizhi
S
Abrams
William R
WR
Malamud
Daniel
D
Bau
Haim H
HH
D001409:Bacillus cereus / Q000235:genetics; D004269:DNA, Bacterial / Q000032:analysis; D004867:Equipment Design; D006361:Heating; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013499:Surface Properties; D013696:Temperature
D004269:DNA, Bacterial