Vol. 41, Issue 2, pp. 471-480 (2011)

Abstract

The DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) amplification chip made of DP951 (from DuPont) ceramics consists of a microchamber, internal and external metallization. The external metallization is used for attachment of SMD (surface mount device) electronics elements. The internal metal layer improves thermal conditions inside the chamber. The temperature distribution in the chamber is verified by numerical simulation. Heating is realized by an external SMD resistor. The temperature measurements are made by attached Pt100 component. The temperature control is realized by a microcontroller based electronic system. Settings and visualization of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) process parameters are actualized by dedicated PC (personal computer) software. The system is successfully tested. The DNA amplification inside the low temperature co-fired ceramics (LTCC) chip is achieved.