Apparatus and methods for multiplexed amplification and detection of DNA using convectional heating and label-free microarray

A method comprising:

• (a) providing a chip between a first block at a first temperature forming a first temperature zone and a second block at a second temperature forming a second temperature zone that is distinct from the first temperature;
• (b) providing an excitation light to a surface of the chip;
• (c) detecting an emitted light from the chip;
• and
• (d) analyzing a sample in the chip from processing the emitted light during a predetermined sampling, wherein:
• the chip comprises an annular member;
• the chip is injected with PCR solution comprising an aqueous solution configured to controllably and uniformly circulate as a result of a temperature-induced density difference between the first temperature zone and the second temperature zone;
• the chip is loaded, vertically positioned and actively secured between the first block and the second block by a mechanical system;
• the mechanical system is configured to actively secure the chip in response to loading the chip so that at least 50 percent of a total surface area of the annular member is in contact with the first block and the second block collectively to form thermal contacts between the chip and the respective blocks having the respective temperature zones;
• and
• analyzing the sample in the chip from processing the emitted light comprises collecting spatial information in an array of at least 40 pixels×40 pixels by an optical fluorescence imaging system.