Design and fabrication of a silicon microreactor for DNA amplification

A silicon microreactor consisting of an integrated heater, temperature sensor and thermal isolation chamber has been described. The thermal characteristics of the device have been studied by computer simulation and a rapid heating rate (20°C - 95°C in less than 2 s) has been achieved. The fabrication process, consisting of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) fabrication techniques has been established. The design features of this device, in particular the integrated heater and temperature sensor and the thermal isolation chamber allows fast heating/cooling rates and therefore enables efficient thermocycling suitable for DNA amplification.