초록 ▼

Apparatus and method for performing a nucleic acid amplification reaction and preferably a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in a reaction mixture in at least one capillary tube. Several different embodiments are disclosed. One embodiment cycles a sample through a capillary tube loop passing through t

Apparatus and method for performing a nucleic acid amplification reaction and preferably a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in a reaction mixture in at least one capillary tube. Several different embodiments are disclosed. One embodiment cycles a sample through a capillary tube loop passing through two thermostatted fluid baths. Another embodiment has the capillary tube routed alternatingly between two heat exchangers to that the sample makes only one pass through the tube. Other embodiments maintain the heat exchangers stationary and translate the samples between them. Still further embodiments maintain the samples stationary and either automatically translate or rotate the heat exchangers past the samples contained within the capillary tubes to perform the thermal cycles necessary for the amplification reaction.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method for performing a nucleic acid amplification reaction including denaturation, annealing, and extension processes, simultaneously in a plurality of reaction mixtures contained in a plurality of capillary tubes, each mixture containing a target nucleic acid to be am

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method for performing a nucleic acid amplification reaction including denaturation, annealing, and extension processes, simultaneously in a plurality of reaction mixtures contained in a plurality of capillary tubes, each mixture containing a target nucleic acid to be amplified, comprising the steps of:(a) drawing the mixtures into first portions of the plurality of capillary tubes;(b) heating the first portions to an extension temperature operative to cause the extension process to occur in the reaction mixtures;(c) heating the first portion to a denaturation temperature in a range of temperatures operative to cause the denaturation process to occur in the reaction mixtures;(d) cooling the first portions of the capillary tubes to a annealing temperature in a range of temperatures operative to cause the annealing process to occur in the reaction mixtures in the first portions of the capillary tubes; and(e) repeating steps (b) through (d) a desired number of times to reach a desired quantity of the nucleic acids in the samples.