A low-cost and hand-hold PCR microdevice based on water-cooling technology

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Medical Devices
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is vital for disease detection due to its sensitivity and specificity.
• Traditional PCR systems are often bulky and time-consuming, hindering point-of-care applications.
• There is a need for portable, rapid, and cost-effective PCR solutions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an efficient, low-cost, handheld PCR microdevice.
• To overcome the limitations of conventional PCR systems for point-of-care testing.
• To demonstrate the feasibility of a compact PCR instrument for nucleic acid amplification.

Main Methods:

• Designed a microdevice integrating a water-cooling control module and a 3D-printed amplification module.
• The device measures 110 mm × 100 mm × 40 mm and weighs 300 g, costing approximately $170.83.
• Utilized water-cooling technology to achieve rapid thermal cycling (30 cycles in 46 min).

Main Results:

• Achieved efficient thermal cycling with heating/cooling rates of 4.0/8.1 °C/s.
• Successfully amplified plasmid DNA dilutions using the developed PCR microdevice.
• Demonstrated the device's capability for nucleic acid amplification.

Conclusions:

• The developed handheld PCR microdevice is efficient, low-cost, and portable.
• The water-cooling and 3D-printing approach enables rapid thermal cycling.
• The device shows significant potential for point-of-care diagnostic applications.