Patent ID: 7833709
Filing Date: 2010-11-16
Classification: B01L,B82Y,C12Q,G01N,H01L

Abstract:
1. A method of performing a nucleic acid amplification reaction using a miniaturized nucleic acid amplification chip, said amplification involving a plurality of reaction samples and requiring cycling at least two temperature levels, comprising: (a) providing a chip comprising an array of fluidically isolated micro wells, each of said micro wells is configured for receiving and confining a reaction sample, wherein the micro well is coated with a hydrophobic coating, and wherein the chip is placed in thermal contact with a heating element; (b) dispensing the plurality of reaction samples into the fluidically isolated micro wells in ambient air that is saturated with moisture with respect to a planar surface of the chip using a dispenser under conditions to reduce evaporation of said reaction samples; (c) controlling the heating element to effect cycling of the at least two temperature levels; and (d) detecting optical signals coming from the reaction samples using an optical detection assembly, wherein the optical signals are indicative of the presence of amplified nucleic acids.