Low Cost Three-Dimensional Programmed Mini-Pump Used in PCR

Abstract

Programmed mini-pumps play a significant role in various fields, such as chemistry, biology, and medicine, to transport a measured volume of liquid, especially in the current detection of (COVID-19) with PCR. In view of the cost of the current automatic pipetting pump being higher, which is difficult to use in a regular lab, this paper designed and assembled a three-dimensional programmed mini-pump with the common parts and components, such as PLC controller, motor, microinjector, etc. With the weighting calibration before and after pipetting operation, the error of the pipette in 10 μL (0.2%), 2 μL (1.8%), and 1 μL (5.6%) can be obtained. Besides, the contrast test between three-dimensional programmed mini-pump and manual pipette was conducted with the ORF1ab and pGEM-3Zf (+) genes in qPCR. The results proved that the custom-made three-dimensional programmed mini-pump has a stronger reproducibility compared with manual pipette (ORF1ab: 24.06 ± 0.33 vs. 23.50 ± 0.58, p = 0.1014; pGEM-3Zf (+): 11.83.06 ± 0.24 vs. 11.50 ± 0.34, p = 0.8779). These results can lay the foundation for the functional, fast, and low-cost programmed mini-pump in PCR or other applications for trace measurements.

An integrated low-cost automatic pipetting used in nucleic acid detection PCR instrument and clinical detection

“…In summary, a custom-designed integrated nucleic acid detection PCR instrument and clinical detection application for rapid, sensitive, low-cost and quantitative molecular diagnosis were introduced compared with the previous work (Lin et al, 2022). By integrating the multichannel automatic pipetting module, heat amplification module and real-time fluorescence detection module for the first time, the customdesigned integrated nucleic acid detection PCR instrument can achieve sample collection, subpackage, mixing, extracting, measuring and result presentation, which is suitable for applications in disease diagnosis in remote areas.…”

“…In summary, a custom-designed integrated nucleic acid detection PCR instrument and clinical detection application for rapid, sensitive, low-cost and quantitative molecular diagnosis were introduced compared with the previous work (Lin et al. , 2022).…”

A portable system for economical nucleic acid amplification testing

“…Since February 2020, PCR testing infrastructure has been widely built, and test results have become a critical criterion for managing personnel mobility, such as entry-exit control and work resumption. However, traditional RT-qPCR systems have much potential for improvement (Lin et al, 2022). Conventional RT-qPCR processes usually take at least 6 h from sampling to report printing.…”