Rapid heat block thermocycler

Abstract

A heat block thermocycler to perform rapid PCR in multiple small-volume samples (1-20 μl) employing, low profile, low thermal mass sample block the temperature of which can be rapidly and accurately modulated by a single thermoelectric pump (thermoelectric module). An array of spaced-apart sample wells is formed in the top surface of the block. The samples are placed into the wells of ultrathin-walled (20-40 μm) multiwell plate and located into the sample block. The heated lid tightly seals the individual wells by pressing the sealing film to the top surface of the multiwell plate. Air pressure arising inside the tightly sealed wells at elevated temperatures deforms the elastic walls of the wells of the ultrathin-walled plate and brings them into close thermal contact with the sample block. A gasket thermally isolates the sample block from the heated lid. The PCR reactions (30 cycles) can be performed in 10-30 minutes.

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