Rapid thermocycling for sample analysis
AssigneesMayo Foundation for Medical Education and Reseach, University of Pittsburgh—Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
InventorsJames P Landers, Andreas Hühmer, Robert P. Oda, James R. Craighead
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Abstract
Methods for performing rapid and accurate thermocycling on a sample are disclosed. Use of non-contact heating and cooling sources allows precise temperature control with sharp transitions from one temperature to another to be achieved. A wide range of temperatures can be accomplished according to these methods. In addition, thermocycling can be performed without substantial temperature gradients occurring in the sample. Apparatus for achieving these methods are also disclosed. A method for pumping a sample through microchannels on a microchip using a non-contact heat source is also disclosed.
Claims23
A method for thermocycling a sample comprising:
- (a) placing a volume of sample in the nanoliter range in a reaction vessel having a large surface to volume ratio;
- (b) heating the sample to a first desired temperature using the optical energy of a non-contact heat source that directly heats the sample itself at a rate of between about 10° C./second and 100° C./second;
- (c) positively cooling the sample to a second desired temperature by a non-contact cooling source below ambient temperature directed at the reaction vessel at a rate of between about 5° C./second and 50° C./second;
- and
- (d) sequentially repeating steps (b) and (c) to perform a desired number of thermocycles wherein each thermocycle is completed in between about 0.3 seconds and about 20 seconds.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.