Electricity-free chemical heater for isothermal nucleic acid amplification with applications in COVID-19 home testing.

ABSTRACT: Molecular detection of pathogenic nucleic acids from patient samples requires incubating biochemical reactions at specific temperatures to amplify DNA. This incubation is typically carried out with an electrical heater and a temperature controller. To reduce test cost, to eliminate the need for manufacturing incubators, which may require significant time, and to enable electricity-free operation, we use energetic compounds such as an Mg(Fe) alloy mixed with a phase-change material (PCM) that undergoes phase transformation at the desired incubation temperature. We dubbed this composite Energetic Phase Change Material (EPCM). When the EPCM is brought into contact with water, the magnesium alloy interacts with the water to produce heat. The EPCM heats up to its phase transition temperature. A

SUBMITTER: Li RJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8238897 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature