CHARACTERIZATION OF AN INNOVATIVE POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION DEVICE BASED ON BUOYANCY DRIVEN FLOW BY MEANS OF IR THERMOGRAPHY

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) plays a central role in the field of molecular biology. The miniaturization of PCR systems is promising as it potentially minimizes costly reagent consumption and time required for analysis. The present study focuses on the experimental characterization of micro-channels, having innovative and optimized shapes to obtain proper fluid actuation and DNA sample amplification within buoyancy driven flow PCR devices. In particular, this paper presents the first experimental results of surface temperature investigation by IR thermography. The IR thermography proved to be a critical tool to optimize the PCR device. In fact, the thermographic investigation allowed an optimal spatial arrangement of the two resistors on the chip to obtain a homogeneous temperature field on the two microchannel lateral walls. Moreover, thanks to the use of the thermocamera, it was also possible to find the correct voltage which granted the desired temperatures. Because of the small dimensions of the chip (20 mm x 20 mm), it was necessary to configure the optics in order to gain an adequate magnification.