Method for rapid thermal cycling of biological samples

Abstract

A thermal cycling method and device is disclosed. The device comprises a sample chamber whose temperature can be rapidly and accurately modulated over a range of temperatures needed to carry out a number of biological procedures, such a the DNA polymerase chain reaction. Biological samples are placed in glass micro capillary tubes and then located inside the sample chamber. A programmable controller regulates the temperature of the sample inside the sample chamber. Once a heating cycle is completed, the controller opens a door to the chamber for venting hot air out and cool ambient air is moved in. Temperature versus time profiles corresponding to optimum denaturation, annealing and elongation temperatures for amplification of DNA are achieved by the present invention.

1 - 29 . (Canceled)  
     
     
         30 . A thermal cycler for amplifying a nucleic acid comprising: 
 a housing comprising a chamber;    a port in said housing for receiving at least one PCR sample holder in said chamber;    a heating assembly which is in thermal communication with said PCR sample holder when said sample holder is present in said chamber;    a cooling assembly which is in thermal communication with said PCR sample holder when present in said chamber; and    a controller for said heating and said cooling assemblies wherein said controller is capable of cycling the PCR sample holder through a temperature cycle corresponding to the denaturation, annealing and elongation steps of the polymerase chain reaction and wherein said PCR sample holder has a thermal mass which provides for completing said cycle within a time range of about 30-60 seconds.    
     
     
         31 . The thermal cycler of  claim 30  wherein said heating assembly comprises a resistance heater.  
     
     
         32 . The thermal cycler of  claim 31  wherein said resistance heater comprises a heating coil.  
     
     
         33 . The thermal cycler of  claim 30  wherein said heating assembly is in fluid communication with said PCR sample holder when said PCR sample holder is present in said chamber.  
     
     
         34 . The thermal cycler of  claim 33  wherein said heating assembly comprises a blower.  
     
     
         35 . The thermal cycler of  claim 30  wherein said cooling assembly is in fluid communication with said PCR sample holder when said PCR sample holder is present in said chamber.  
     
     
         36 . The thermal cycler of  claim 35  wherein said cooling assemble comprises a blower.  
     
     
         37 . The thermal cycler of  claim 35  wherein said chamber comprises a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet to provide for the entry of ambient air and exhaust of heated air to cool said PCR sample holder when said PCR sample holder is present in said chamber.  
     
     
         38 . The thermal cycler of  claim 30  wherein said controller is capable of lowering the temperature of said PCR sample holder at a rate of at least about 1.5 degrees Celsius per second.  
     
     
         39 . The thermal cycler of  claim 36  wherein the motor for said blower is external to said chamber  
     
     
         40 . The thermal cycler of  claim 30  in combination with said PCR sample holder.