One embodiment of the present invention relates to a PCR apparatus comprising a repeated sliding means and a PCR method using same. According to the present invention, the throughput of samples can be increased by simultaneously, rapidly, and accurately performing a PCR on the large number of samples through repeated thermal contact between a PCR heating block having two or more heaters disposed therein and a PCR chip having two or more reaction chambers disposed therein. In addition, the present invention is capable of: significantly improving PCR yield by preventing radial heat distribution generated by the individual heaters and the consequent nonuniform thermal overlap between the adjacent heaters; significantly contributing to the miniaturization and integration of the apparatus by requiring no separate temperature control means; furthermore, simultaneously and rapidly amplifying multiple nucleic acid samples by using the PCR heating block having heater units repeatedly disposed therein and a plate-shaped PCR chip; and checking the process of nucleic acid amplification in real time by measuring sequential optical signals or electrochemical signals.

One embodiment of the present invention relates to a PCR apparatus comprising a repeated sliding means and a PCR method using same. According to the present invention, the throughput of samples can be increased by simultaneously, rapidly, and accurately performing a PCR on the large number of samples through repeated thermal contact between a PCR heating block having two or more heaters disposed therein and a PCR chip having two or more reaction chambers disposed therein. In addition, the present invention is capable of: significantly improving PCR yield by preventing radial heat distribution generated by the individual heaters and the consequent nonuniform thermal overlap between the adjacent heaters; significantly contributing to the miniaturization and integration of the apparatus by requiring no separate temperature control means; furthermore, simultaneously and rapidly amplifying multiple nucleic acid samples by using the PCR heating block having heater units repeatedly disposed therein and a plate-shaped PCR chip; and checking the process of nucleic acid amplification in real time by measuring sequential optical signals or electrochemical signals.

In one example in accordance with the present disclosure, a microfluidic device is described. The microfluidic device includes a reservoir to contain a first thermally expandable fluid, a first heater to heat the thermally expandable fluid in the reservoir, a channel extending from the reservoir and connected to the reservoir at a first opening, and a liquid volume obstructing the channel.

The present invention provides facile and accurate molecular diagnosis of disease-specific genes capable of the naked eye detection through amplifying the target genes to selectively block the fluid path in a microfluidic device. Specifically, the present invention includes an isothermal amplification of target genes through a rolling circle amplification, a microfluidic device for detecting pathogen genes, and a detection method using the same. Therefore, the present invention can conveniently detect a single target gene, such as a single pathogen, or at the same time, several target genes, such as several pathogens, without complicated mechanical equipment.

Lid configurations for thermal cyclers and uses thereof are provided. A nucleic acid amplification device may include a lid assembly that may be able to move between an open and closed configuration. The lid assembly may include a heater therein. The heater in the lid may have an adjustable configuration that may be able to accommodate different configurations of sample containers. Optionally, the heater may be retractable within a housing of the thermal cycler, when the lid is opened.

Lid configurations for thermal cyclers and uses thereof are provided. A nucleic acid amplification device may include a lid assembly that may be able to move between an open and closed configuration. The lid assembly may include a heater therein. The heater in the lid may have an adjustable configuration that may be able to accommodate different configurations of sample containers. Optionally, the heater may be retractable within a housing of the thermal cycler, when the lid is opened.

In one embodiment, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) system includes a mixture chamber, a denature chamber, an annealing chamber, an extension chamber, and a product chamber, that are fluidically coupled to one another through a plurality of microfluidic channels. An inertial pump is associated with each microfluidic channel, and each inertial pump includes a fluid actuator integrated asymmetrically within its associated microfluidic channel. The fluid actuators are capable of selective activation to circulate fluid between the chambers in a controlled cycle.

The present invention provides a refrigerating/heating device that efficiently refrigerates and heats while suppressing device costs. This refrigerating/heating device for efficiently heating and refrigerating is provided with: a refrigeration chamber; a Peltier-type cooler for supplying cold air to inside the refrigeration chamber; a heat radiation member for radiating Peltier heat; fans for air-cooling the heat radiation member; an exhaust duct through which waste heat from the fans and the heat radiation member passes; and an installation part to which a subject to be heated can be installed. The subject to be heated is installed in the waste heat flow path of the exhaust duct and heated.

A PCR apparatus comprises a PCR heating block having at least two heater units, wherein the at least two heater units are repeatedly disposed on one side of a substrate in a first direction, and each of the at least two heater units has two or more heaters; and a PCR chip having at least two reaction chambers, wherein the at least two reaction chambers are repeatedly formed in the PCR chip, and when the PCR chip is in contact with the PCR heating block, the at least two reaction chambers are arranged to be contacted with the at least two heater units on the PCR heating block, wherein the PCR chip is repeatedly moved in a back-and-forth direction parallel to the first direction and the at least two reaction chambers of the PCR chip is placed to be in contact with the at least two heater units of the PCR heating block.

A PCR apparatus comprises a PCR heating block having at least two heater units, wherein the at least two heater units are repeatedly disposed on one side of a substrate in a first direction, and each of the at least two heater units has two or more heaters; and a PCR chip having at least two reaction chambers, wherein the at least two reaction chambers are repeatedly formed in the PCR chip, and when the PCR chip is in contact with the PCR heating block, the at least two reaction chambers are arranged to be contacted with the at least two heater units on the PCR heating block, wherein the PCR chip is repeatedly moved in a back-and-forth direction parallel to the first direction and the at least two reaction chambers of the PCR chip is placed to be in contact with the at least two heater units of the PCR heating block.