MEMS-based micro chamber PCR chip thermal analysis and structural improvement

The heat conduction characteristic of integrated micro chamber Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) biochip based on Micro Electro Mechanical System (MEMS) technology is analyzed by COMSOL Multiphysics. Reaction solution vaporize in the middle air layer between the reaction solution and glass cover, and the temperature differences lead to a condensation of the gaseous reaction solution to the glass cover, and this reduce reaction efficiency and reaction output, also affect the following work of PCR and chip cleaning. The improved of the typical integration micro chamber PCR chip applies the same structure of serpentine heat resistance at the top and bottom of reaction chamber, and heat resistances are controlled by the same microprocessor. The simulation results show that improved structure restrain the condensation of the gaseous reaction solution, and provided a uniform temperature for the PCR reaction chamber.