DNA Amplification
Next Generation Thermoelectrics Designed for Real-Time PCR
Introductions
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a technique used in molecular diagnostics to amplify sequencing of DNA. Also referred to as molecular photocopying, the DNA produced by PCR is vital to many laboratory and clinical procedures. PCR testing has been instrumental in the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2, better known as COVID-19. Not only do PCR tests detect the presence of a virus during testing but it will also detect fragments of a virus even after the patient is no longer infected.
DNA Amplification
PCR is enabled by a machine called a thermocycler, which rapidly heats and cools the DNA sample to a defined series of temperature steps.
Modern thermocyclers used for real-time and digital PCR testing utilize Peltier technology to precisely manage the set point temperatures and ramp rates. This is a harsh environment for standard thermoelectric coolers due to the mechanical stresses that occur during the heating and cooling stage.