Rotational pcr equipment and pcr method using the same

Abstract

A rotational PCR apparatus, a PCR chip for the same and a rotational PCR method using the same. The rotational PCR apparatus includes: a PCR chip where PCR is performed; a rotating means connected to the PCR chip and rotating the PCR chip; and a temperature zone forming means spaced apart from the PCR chip, capable of applying thermal energy to the PCR chip and allowing the rotating PCR chip to pass through different temperature zones. The rotational PCR apparatus and method allow performance of PCR with wanted temperature condition and cycles by rotating the chip containing the target substance. Accordingly, a high-efficiency PCR process may be accomplished at low cost. Further, since the target substance can be effectively separated and purified utilizing the centrifugal force resulting from the rotating platform, separation and purification may be achieved economically without requiring additional equipments.

1 . A PCR method using a PCR chip, comprising:
 performing PCR by allowing a PCR chip containing a target substance to pass through a plurality of temperature zones at different temperatures.   
     
     
         2 . The PCR method according to  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of temperature zones are arranged such that temperatures required for PCR are repeated. 
     
     
         3 . The PCR method according to  claim 1 , which comprises:
 performing pretreatment of separating the target substance from a sample solution by sequentially flowing the sample solution, a washing buffer and an elution buffer from a pretreatment unit of the PCR chip to silica beads;   introducing the separated target substance into a PCR unit connected at the rear end of the pretreatment unit; and   performing PCR by rotating the target substance introduced into the PCR unit through a plurality of temperature zones.   
     
     
         4 . The PCR method according to  claim 3 , wherein said performing pretreatment comprises:
 rotating the chip at or above a first speed, so that the sample solution flows from a sample chamber to the silica beads;   rotating the chip at or above a second speed, so that the washing buffer flows to the silica beads; and   rotating the chip at or above a third speed, so that the elution buffer flows to the silica beads.