The present invention relates to methods for amplifying nucleic acids in micro-channels. More specifically, the present invention relates to methods for performing a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in a continuous-flow microfluidic system and to methods for monitoring real-time PCR in such systems.

The present invention relates to systems and methods for monitoring the amplification of DNA molecules and the dissociation behavior of the DNA molecules. A method according to one embodiment of the invention may include the steps of: forcing a sample of a solution containing real-time PCR reagents to move though a channel; and while the sample is moving through an analysis region of the channel, performing the steps of: (a) cycling the temperature of the sample until the occurrence of a predetermined event; (b) after performing step (a), causing the sample's temperature to gradually increase from a first temperature to a second temperature; and (c) while the step of gradually increasing the sample's temperature is performed, using an image sensor to monitor emissions from the sample.

A portable, disposable in-vitro diagnostic apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a body configured to be hand held. The body has a reaction medium supply chamber configured in selective fluid communication with a reaction chamber via a fluid conveying channel. The reaction chamber is located beneath a sample reaction chamber. The reaction medium supply chamber contains a reaction fluid therein and the reaction chamber contains a thermal reaction medium therein. The reaction fluid is selectively reactive with the thermal reaction medium to produce one of an endothermic or exothermic reaction beneath the sample reaction chamber.

The present disclosure is directed to a self-regulating temperature regulation system and related methods for regulating temperature during a biochemical reaction. The temperature regulation system includes: an expandable pouch comprising an inner cavity and a phase change material disposed within the inner cavity; a heat source comprising a pouch-facing side and an air-facing side, the pouch-facing side being in thermal contact with the pouch, the heat source being configured to generate heat upon activation and exposure to air and to cause phase change from liquid to gas of at least a portion of the phase change material; and a housing surrounding the heat source and pouch, the housing defining an air gap between the air-facing side of the heat source and an interior surface of the housing. The pouch is configured to expand as gas is generated within the inner cavity, thereby reducing the air gap and regulating air access to the heat source.

Disclosed is an assay device for isothermal amplification and detection of one or more target nucleic acids. The assay device can utilize a simple mechanical design, an effective reagent chemistry, and an electricity-free heating configuration that enable a low-cost, highly accessible assay device. The assay device can be utilized in the field and/or in point-of-care (POC) applications without the need for sophisticated laboratory equipment, without the need for electricity or batteries, and without significantly sacrificing assay performance relative to conventional, higher-cost laboratory approaches.

A tissue sample that has been removed from a subject can be properly fixed for evaluation using the disclosed transporter assembly for carrying a tissue sample and method for fixing an unfixed tissue sample. In one embodiment, the disclosed assembly includes a transport container, a fixative in the transport container, and a cooling device that reduces and/or maintains the temperature of the fixative to perform a pre-soaking process at a temperature of less than about 7 C. The pre-soaking process can, for example, be performed during sample transport or during extended periods of storage, such as over a weekend.