Stabilizing SiPM output with adaptive temperature compensation in portable real-time PCR devices

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Optical Engineering
• Materials Science

Background:

• Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is vital for sensitive pathogen detection.
• Portable real-time PCR instruments are crucial for infectious disease control at the grassroots level.
• Silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs) are used in PCR instruments but are sensitive to temperature variations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a method for stabilizing SiPM output in portable real-time PCR instruments against temperature fluctuations.
• To enhance the performance and reliability of grassroots-level infectious disease detection systems.

Main Methods:

• Proposed a novel technique employing a pair of Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA) polymer reference samples.
• Utilized PMMA samples to stabilize SiPM output against temperature variations in a fluorescence PCR instrument's optical system.

Main Results:

• Achieved effective control of SiPM output fluctuations within 1% despite temperature changes exceeding 10°C.
• Demonstrated enhanced stability and portability of the fluorescence PCR instrument.

Conclusions:

• The PMMA polymer reference sample method significantly improves the temperature stability of SiPMs in portable real-time PCR devices.
• This innovation enhances the cost-effectiveness and reliability of fluorescence PCR instruments for field applications.