Localized microwave heating in microwells for parallel DNA amplification applications

Abstract

This work explores the potential of microwave heating for applications requiring parallel DNA amplification platforms. Device characterization and thermal modeling is performed on 4.1μl microfluidic chamber fabricated in polycarbonate. Microwave power at 6GHz is delivered to the chamber via copper transmission line in a microstrip configuration. Microwave power reflection coefficient and temperature measurements are performed to characterize the power coupled to the chamber and rate of change in temperature. Temperatures up to 72°C are achieved with less than 400mW power applied at the input of the transmission line. Initial heating and cooling rates measured experimentally are ∼7 and ∼6°C∕s, respectively. These results suggest that microwave heating is an efficient, rapid heating technique suitable for programmable, parallel DNA amplification platforms to be empolyed in future genetic analysis systems.