Simulation of Rapid Thermal Cycle for Ultra-Fast PCR

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology is a mainstream detection method used in medical diagnoses, environmental monitoring, food hygiene, and safety. However, the systematic analysis of a compact structure with fast temperature changes for an ultra-fast PCR device that is convenient for on-site detection still lacks investigation. To overcome the problems of low heating efficiency and non-portability of PCR devices currently used, a miniaturized PCR system based on a microfluidic chip, i.e., lab-on-chip technology, has been proposed. The main objective of this paper is to explore the feasibility of using a heat resistor that can reach a fast heating rate and temperature uniformity combined with air cooling technology for rapid cooling and to investigate the influences of various pattern designs and thicknesses of the resistor on heating rates and temperature uniformity. Additionally, a PCR chip made of various materials with different thermal properties, such as surface emissivity, thermal conductivity, mass density, and heat capacity at constant pressure is analyzed. In addition to the heat loss caused by the natural convection of air, the radiation loss of the simulation object is also considered, which makes the model much closer to the practical situation. Our research results provide a considerable reference for the design of the heating and cooling modules used in the ultra-fast PCR protocol, which has great potential in In Vitro Diagnosis (IVD) and the PCR detection of foodborne pathogens and bacteria.

Automated summary

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology is widely used in medical diagnoses, environmental monitoring, food hygiene, and safety. However, there is a lack of systematic analysis for an ultra-fast PCR device with a compact structure and fast temperature changes for on-site detection. To address the issues of low heating efficiency and non-portability of current PCR devices, a miniaturized PCR system based on a microfluidic chip has been proposed. The main objective of this paper is to explore the feasibility of using a heat resistor for fast heating and air cooling technology for rapid cooling, and to investigate the effects of different pattern designs and thicknesses of the resistor on heating rates and temperature uniformity. Additionally, the thermal properties of PCR chips made of various materials are analyzed. The research results provide valuable reference for the design of heating and cooling modules used in the ultra-fast PCR protocol.