THERMOCYCLER AND SAMPLE VESSEL FOR RAPID AMPLIFICATION OF DNA

摘要

A thermocycler apparatus and method for rapidly performing the PCR process employs at least two thermoelectric modules which are in substantial spatial opposition with an interior space present between opposing modules. One or more multiple sample vessels are placed in between the module such that the vessels are subjected to temperature cycling by the modules. The sample vessels have a minimal internal dimensional that is substantially perpendicular to the modules that facilitates rapid temperature cycling. In embodiments of the invention the sample vessels may be deformable between: a) a shape having a wide mouth to facilitate filling and removing of sample fluids from the vessel, and b) a shape which is thinner for conforming to the sample cavity or interior space between the thermoelectric modules of the thermocycler for more rapid heat transfer.

主权项

1. A thermocycler for subjecting one or a plurality of samples to rapid thermal cycling comprising at least one pair of thermoelectric modules each having an interior module face for heating and cooling one or a plurality of sample vessels each containing a sample, wherein the thermoelectric modules of each pair are positioned such that the module faces of the thermoelectric module pair are in substantial opposition to each other with an interior space between the opposing module faces for receiving said one or a plurality of sample vessels, at least one heat sink for dissipating heat, and a controller electrically connected to each pair of thermoelectric modules which controls the temperature of the thermoelectric modules.