PCR process and arrangement for DNA amplification using dry reagents
First Claim
1. A process for DNA amplification by PCR with thermocycling of substances containing the DNA together with associated water-soluble reagents, the process comprising:
- integrating materials in a closed analysis unit including a single-use cartridge with at least one of microchannels and microcavities, in which at least the water-soluble reagents necessary for the PCR are held in a form which is stable when stored at room temperature, and in which the water-soluble reagents are collectively arranged in a layer;
providing a covering layer, consisting essentially of a water-insoluble medium, in the single-use cartridge, wherein the water-insoluble medium is paraffin;
covering the layer of water-soluble reagents with the covering layer;
supplying the DNA to be amplified in an aqueous solvent, wherein the covering effect of the water-insoluble medium is subsequently negated, so that the water-soluble reagents dissolve in the aqueous solvent; and
performing PCR thermocycling reactions on the aqueous solvent including the DNA to be amplified.
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Abstract
A PCR process for DNA amplification with thermocyclisation of the corresponding reagents is disclosed, in which total integration of all substances and process steps is achieved in a closed, single-use unit (so-called cartridge) in which the reagents are stored in a storage-stable form at room temperature. According to the process, the water-soluble reagents are covered by a water-insoluble medium, then the DNA to be amplified is supplied and the water-insoluble medium is eliminated, so that the water-soluble reagents are dissolved and PCR can start. In the corresponding arrangement, a test unit designed as a single-use produce (a so-called cartridge) has at least one micro-channel or micro-cavity for receiving a PCR reagent. The PCR reagents in the form of a mixture which can be dried at a negligible vapour pressure and forms a storage-stable substance substance at room temperature adhere to the walls of the micro-channel or micro-cavity and form a thin film covered by an insoluble medium.
28 Citations
15 Claims
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1. A process for DNA amplification by PCR with thermocycling of substances containing the DNA together with associated water-soluble reagents, the process comprising:
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integrating materials in a closed analysis unit including a single-use cartridge with at least one of microchannels and microcavities, in which at least the water-soluble reagents necessary for the PCR are held in a form which is stable when stored at room temperature, and in which the water-soluble reagents are collectively arranged in a layer; providing a covering layer, consisting essentially of a water-insoluble medium, in the single-use cartridge, wherein the water-insoluble medium is paraffin; covering the layer of water-soluble reagents with the covering layer; supplying the DNA to be amplified in an aqueous solvent, wherein the covering effect of the water-insoluble medium is subsequently negated, so that the water-soluble reagents dissolve in the aqueous solvent; and performing PCR thermocycling reactions on the aqueous solvent including the DNA to be amplified. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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Specification