Miniature real time PCR on chip with multi-channel fiber optical fluorescence detection module

This paper presents the design and implementation of a miniature real time PCR system consisting of a disposable reactor chip, a miniature thermal cycler, and a multi-channel fiber optical fluorescence excitation/detection module. The disposable PCR chip is fabricated by using soft photolithography by PDMS (Polydimethylsiloxane) and glass. The miniature thermal cycler has a thin film heater for heating and a fan for rapid cooling. The fiber optical detection module consists of laser, filter cube, photo-detector and 1x4 fiber optical switch. It is capable of four-well real time PCR analysis. Real-time PCR detection of E. coli stx1 has been demonstrated successfully with this system.