TW201934742A - Thermal cycler - Google Patents

Abstract

A thermal cycler applied for running a polymerase chain reaction includes a main body that includes a chamber and a sample block for vessels, and a protocol running device port in the chamber. In the case of a protocol running device is put into the protocol running device port, the main body may execute a thermal cycle onto the vessels according to a protocol content stored in the protocol running device.

Description

Thermal cycler

The invention relates to a thermal cycler, in particular to a thermal cycler applied to perform a polymerase chain reaction.

The conventional polymerase chain reaction apparatus uses a polymerase chain reaction to replicate a large number of DNA samples in vitro. The process usually involves a researcher injecting a sample with a solution such as DNA and primers into a test tube, and passing the test tube with the sample through After several rounds of thermal cycling, the process of decomposing double-stranded DNA, combining single-stranded DNA and primers, and replicating DNA yields incremental DNA. Therefore, in the polymerase chain reaction apparatus, the setting of high, low, and intermediate temperature and the time that it should stay in the stage are very important for the proper amount of correct DNA.

When many current polymerase chain reaction apparatuses are performing continuous tests, researchers must use the main body control interface provided by the polymerase chain reaction apparatus or a remote computer interface to perform the temperature and time during the thermal cycle. Enter the setting input, and then perform the polymerase chain reaction after entering in time. However, one of the risks of timely input is that a momentary negligence may cause the polymerase chain reaction to be performed at the wrong temperature and time, which may not be known until the subsequent inspection of the product to react with the wrong environmental parameters such as temperature and time. Time is delayed and samples and time are wasted. Secondly, the input work in a timely manner must be performed by a researcher or a person with expertise in this area, which limits the flexibility of the polymerase chain reaction apparatus. In addition, the use of a polymerase chain reaction apparatus connected to a computer interface has limited use environments. Therefore, there is room for improvement.

The invention provides a thermal cycler, which has a device connection port capable of accommodating a protocol execution device, and is convenient for a user to execute a protocol execution device that is pre-written in a protocol setting and execute the thermal cycler, thereby reducing thermal The input of the cycle setting is incorrect.

The invention provides a thermal cycler, which uses a protocol execution device set in a pre-written protocol to set thermal cycle reaction conditions. Therefore, the thermal cycler can be operated independently without connecting to a network and a remote computer system, and is convenient. User operation and setting of reaction conditions.

The invention provides a thermal cycler, which provides a closed heating environment in the sample area. A heating element is used to pressurize the test tube in the sample area to prevent condensation in the test tube and promote the concentration of the reaction mixture in the test tube.

According to the above, a thermal cycler includes: a main body including a cavity and a sample area for providing a plurality of test tubes in the cavity; and a protocol execution device port disposed in the cavity, wherein It is used for accommodating a protocol execution device, wherein the subject executes a thermal cycle process on the test tubes according to a protocol content stored in the protocol execution device stored in the protocol execution device port.

In one embodiment, the thermal cycler further includes a cover body, and the cover body is covered with the main body to seal the cavity between the cover body and the main body.

In an embodiment, the cover body includes a heating element, and when the cover body and the main body are closed and the test tubes are placed in the sample area, the heating element is located above the sample area and heats the sample area. And press the test tubes above the test tubes.

In one embodiment, the cover body includes a lock sensing element to sense whether the cover body and the main body are closed or locked with each other.

In an embodiment, the content of the agreement includes setting a plurality of temperatures and times required to complete a polymerase chain reaction, or further includes interrupting or stopping the thermal cycle in response to a sensing result of the locking sensor. Process settings.

In one embodiment, the protocol execution device includes an erasable programmable read-only memory, a flash memory or a radio frequency identification technology tag to store the content of the protocol.

In an embodiment, the main body further includes a main screen disposed on the main body, and the main screen is used to display the content of the agreement.

In one embodiment, the main body further includes an activating member disposed on the main body, and the activating member is used to start, interrupt or stop the thermal cycle process.

The thermal cycler hereinafter referred to in the present invention refers to a reaction composed of a thermal cycle process. The thermal cycle usually includes a plurality of steps for raising and lowering the temperature. The time history of each temperature may be the same or different, and the raising and lowering temperatures usually alternate with each other. Therefore, the present invention is described below by using a polymerase chain reaction as an example, but it is not intended to limit the application of the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a schematic front perspective view of an embodiment of a thermal cycler according to the present invention. The thermal cycler 2 mainly includes a main body 10 (lid) and a lid body 16 (lid) which are covered with each other. The main body 10 is provided with a main screen 12 for displaying information such as parameters or results. The main screen 12 can display temperature before, for example, protocol loading and execution, and can display temperature during protocol loading and execution. The agreement number / ID, the heating temperature, and the agreement execution time or countdown time are displayed, but the present invention is not limited to the above. The main body 10 is further provided with a start key 14 for starting protocol loading execution, interruption, stop or item switch. Secondly, a cover 16 (lid) covers the top of the main body 10 of the thermal cycler 2 to isolate the outside and the cavity inside the main body 10. In the present invention, the cover 16 includes a heating element to prevent cooling in the reaction tube during the thermal cycle. The cover 16 is provided with buttons 62 so that the user can press the button 62 to open the cover 16 and expose the cavity in the main body 10.

FIG. 2 is another schematic front perspective view of an embodiment of a thermal cycler according to the present invention. 1 and FIG. 2 at the same time, the user can press the button 62 on the cover 16 to open the cover 16 and expose the cavity 11 in the main body 10. Next, a heating member 64 (heating member) is disposed at the cover 16 and used to heat the test tube 32 placed in the cavity 11. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the heating element 64, such as a heater platen, is exposed at the first surface 61 of the cover 16 facing the cavity 11, and the exposed heating element 64 can be close to the test tube 32 to facilitate Heat is transferred directly to the test tube 32 placed in the cavity 11. Optionally, a temperature warning 66 may be provided on the first surface 61 of the cover 16 to remind the user to pay attention to the high-temperature cavity 11 after the cover 16 is opened. In addition, a first switching member 69 and a protruding member 68 are provided on the first surface 61 of the cover 16. The first switching member 69 and the second switching member 34 on the cavity 11 can be fitted to each other to cover the cover. 16 and the main body 10 are locked. In addition, when the cover body 16 and the main body 10 are closed, the protruding member 68 may intervene in a lock sensor 36 (lock sensor) in the cavity 11 to confirm the locking of the cover body 16 and the main body 10.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 2, a sample area 31 is disposed in the cavity 11 and exposed on the cavity 11 and at a position corresponding to the exposed heating element 64 on the first surface 61 of the cover 16. A plurality of test tubes 32 can be placed in the sample area 31 and the test tubes 32 can be heated. When the cover 16 and the main body 10 are closed, the heating element 64 and the sample area 31 cooperate to form a closed environment. The heating element 64 can apply an appropriate pressure on the test tube 32 so that the heat source of the test tube 32 and the sample area 31 is formed. Better heat transfer. In addition, in order to enhance the tightness of the cap of the test tube 32, the pressure exerted on the test tube 32 by the heating element 64 can also prevent the sample gas in the test tube 32 from leaking and being contaminated. In addition, the heating element 64 can heat the upper air in the sample area 31 at a temperature higher than the reaction temperature, which can prevent the water vapor on the test tube 32 from condensing. This can ensure the reaction mixture in the test tube 32 during the alternating cycle of hot and cold The concentration remains unchanged.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 2, secondly, a protocol running device port 35 (protocol running device port) is disposed in the cavity 11 of the main body 10 and is exposed on the cavity 11 for accommodating the protocol executing device 38 containing the protocol settings and It is electrically connected to a main system (not shown) of the main body 10. Through the electrical connection of the protocol execution device port 35, the protocol stored by the external protocol execution device 38 carrying the protocol settings can be read by the protocol execution device port 35 and then recognized by the main system of the main body 10. The agreement sets the thermal cycling environment and related parameters in order to perform the thermal cycling reaction of the sample placed in the test tube 32 in the sample area 31. In one embodiment, the thermal cycler 2 is a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) instrument. The content of the agreement in the agreement execution device 38 includes at least the temperature and time settings for performing the polymerase chain reaction. The main system is a chip and related circuits with processing capabilities. Therefore, compared to the conventional user, the user must use the panel or control keys on the surface of the main body to select or enter the temperature and time flow or sequence of the desired thermal cycle reaction. The user only needs to put the agreement execution device 38 into the present invention. In the protocol execution device port 35 of the thermal cycler 2, press the start key 14 after closing, and the thermal cycler 2 can start the polymerase chain reaction.

In addition, optionally, the content of the agreement in the agreement implementing device 38 can also regulate the setting of the sensing cover 16 corresponding to the locking sensor 36, for example but not limited, for example, when the locking sensor 36 senses the cover When 16 is turned on, the thermal cycle setting during execution is interrupted or continued.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 2, one of the advantages of the thermal cycler 2 of the present invention is that the user only needs to insert the protocol execution device 38 carrying the protocol settings into the protocol execution device port 35 and press the start key 14 on the main body 10, that is, The thermal cycler 2 can be used to perform and complete thermal cycling reactions such as the polymerase chain reaction. The user may not have the setting skills or even the relevant knowledge of the thermal cycling reaction. The protocol settings corresponding to various samples can be written in the protocol execution device 38 in advance, and the protocol settings can be confirmed beforehand, which reduces erroneous input / setting / selection that may occur when a user knows the settings on the thermal cycler 2. In addition, since the thermal cycler 2 of the present invention is provided with a protocol execution device port 35 to directly accommodate the protocol execution device 38, the thermal cycler 2 can operate independently, even in an environment without a network or computer equipment. The reaction of the sample is not limited by the use environment. Furthermore, the prepared agreement execution device 38 can reduce the overall time for performing the thermal cycle reaction process and shorten the time for obtaining the reaction result and product.

Secondly, the protocol execution device 38 of the present invention can use erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory, or radio frequency identification technology (Radio Frequency Identification, RFID) ) Tags, etc., through a matching writing device in advance. In accordance with the different thermal cycling reaction conditions such as the polymerase chain reaction, the present invention can write the settable temperature and time and related parameters required for the thermal cycling reaction into the erasable and programmable read-only memory in advance in an agreed manner. In an appropriate storage device such as a body, the user only needs to place the protocol execution device 38 corresponding to a different polymerase chain reaction into the thermal cycler 2 of the present invention to perform the polymerase chain reaction. Compared with the conventional method, it is necessary to use the control interface on the instrument or the computer interface connected to the instrument to set the thermal cycle reaction conditions. The present invention provides a division of labor mode, allowing professionals to design / enter the thermal cycle reaction condition settings in advance and operate the instrument. The protocol execution device 38 of the present invention that matches the polymerase chain reaction only needs to be placed in the thermal cycler 2 and the start key can be pressed, and the accuracy of the reaction conditions can also be ensured.

In summary, the present invention provides a thermal cycler, which is simple and easy to carry when it is applied to the field of polymerase chain reaction. It is only necessary to hand over the agreement execution device carrying the agreement settings to an operator with common sense to use the present invention. The invention performs the reaction, which is convenient for ordinary users to perform the polymerase chain reaction in real time, and the preset protocol content can reduce the occurrence probability of incorrect settings.

Although the present invention has been disclosed as above with the examples, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains can make various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of the present invention shall be determined by the scope of the attached patent application.

2‧‧‧ thermal cycler

10‧‧‧ main body

11‧‧‧ Cavity

12‧‧‧ home screen

14‧‧‧Start key

16‧‧‧ Cover

31‧‧‧Sample area

32‧‧‧ test tube

34‧‧‧Second switch

35‧‧‧ protocol implementation device port

36‧‧‧Lock sensor

38‧‧‧ Agreement implementation device

61‧‧‧ the first side

62‧‧‧button

64‧‧‧Heating element

66‧‧‧Temperature warning

68‧‧‧ protruding

69‧‧‧The first switch

FIG. 1 is a schematic front perspective view of an embodiment of a thermal cycler according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is another schematic front perspective view of an embodiment of a thermal cycler according to the present invention.

Claims (12)

A thermal cycler includes: a main body including a cavity and a sample area for providing a plurality of test tubes in the cavity; and a protocol execution device port disposed in the cavity and used for containing A protocol execution device is set up, wherein the subject executes a thermal cycle process on the test tubes according to a protocol content stored in the protocol execution device stored in the protocol execution device port. The thermal cycler according to claim 1, further comprising a cover, the cover is in contact with the main body to seal the cavity between the cover and the main body. The thermal cycler according to claim 2, wherein the cover includes a heating element, and the heating element is located on the sample when the cover is in contact with the main body and the test tubes are placed in the sample area. Above the zone and the sample zone is heated, and pressure is applied to the test tubes above the test tubes. The thermal cycler according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the cover includes a locking sensor to sense whether the cover and the main body are closed or locked with each other. The thermal cycler according to claim 4, wherein the content of the agreement includes a setting for interrupting or stopping the thermal cycling process in response to a sensing result of the locked sensing element. The thermal cycler according to claim 5, wherein the content of the agreement further includes a plurality of temperature and time settings required to complete a polymerase chain reaction. The thermal cycler according to claim 6, wherein the protocol execution device includes a rewritable programmable read-only memory, a flash memory or a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag to store the content of the protocol. The thermal cycler according to 2 or 3, wherein the content of the agreement includes a plurality of temperature and time settings required to complete a polymerase chain reaction. The thermal cycler according to claim 8, wherein the protocol execution device includes a removable programmable read-only memory, a flash memory or a radio frequency identification technology tag to store the content of the protocol. The thermal cycler according to 2 or 3, wherein the main body further includes a main screen disposed on the main body, and the main screen is used to display the content of the agreement. The thermal cycler according to claim 10, wherein the main body further includes an activating member disposed on the main body, and the activating member is used to start, interrupt or stop the thermal cycling process. The thermal cycler according to 2 or 3, wherein the main body further includes an activating member disposed on the main body, and the activating member is used to start, interrupt or stop the thermal cycling process.