A Compact Real-Time PCR System for Point-of-Care Detection Using a PCB-Based Disposable Chip and Open-Platform CMOS Camera.

ABSTRACT: We present a compact and cost-effective real-time PCR system designed for point-of-care testing (POCT), utilizing a PCB-based disposable chip and an open-platform CMOS camera. The system integrates precise thermal cycling with software-synchronized fluorescence detection and provides real-time analysis through a dedicated user interface. To minimize cost and complexity, a polycarbonate reaction chamber was integrated with a PCB-based heater and thermistor. A slanted LED illumination setup and an open-platform USB camera were employed for fluorescence imaging. Signal alignment was enhanced using device-specific region-of-interest (ROI) tracking based on copper pad corner detection. Thermal cycling performance achieved a heating rate of 8.0 °C/s and a cooling rate of -9.3 °C/s, with steady-s

SUBMITTER: Kim M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12115960 | biostudies-literature | 2025 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature