NON-THERMAL CYCLING FOR POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION

摘要

Techniques, systems, and devices are disclosed for non-thermal cycling of polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In one aspect, a method for cycling PCR includes receiving an electrolytic fluid including ions, primers, polymerase enzymes, nucleotides, and a double-stranded nucleic acid in a fluid chamber having a first electrode and a second electrode, applying an electric field across the first and the second electrodes to generate a first pH level of the electrolytic fluid to denature the double-stranded nucleic acid to at least partial single strands, and applying a second electric field across the first and second electrodes to produce a second pH level of the electrolytic fluid, in which the second pH level enables binding of a polymerase enzyme and a primer with a corresponding segment of the single strands.

主权项

1. A device for cycling polymerase chain reaction (PCR), comprising:
a container including an interior surface formed of an electrically insulative material and structured to contain an electrolytic fluid including ions, primers, polymerase enzymes, nucleotides, and a double-stranded nucleic acid; a first electrode and a second electrode configured on an interior surface of the container in contact with the electrolytic fluid; and a circuit electrically coupled to the first and second electrodes to apply a first electric field across the first and second electrode to generate a first pH level of the electrolytic fluid, wherein the double-stranded nucleic acid is capable of denaturation to at least partial single strands at the first pH level, and to apply a second electric field across the first and second electrodes to generate a second pH level of the electrolytic fluid, wherein the second pH level enables at least one of binding of a polymerase enzyme and a primer with a corresponding segment of the at least partial single strands or synthesis of new complementary nucleic acid strands from the nucleotides using the at least partial single strands.