Modeling and Control of a Microthermal Cycler for DNA Polymerase Chain Reaction

We have developed a microthermal cycler composed of a microreactor integrated with a platinum sensor/heater and automation equipment/software such as a data acquisition system, a control program, and a graphical user interface. From the control point of view, we have analyzed the dynamic characteristics of the fabricated microreactor and found some interesting dynamic features. On the basis of the analysis, we suggest an appropriate model structure and estimate the model parameters using the prediction error identification method. Requirements for high-performance operation are discussed, and a nonlinear control strategy is proposed to linearize the nonlinear dynamics of the microthermal cycler. We determine the parameters of the nonlinear controller using the optimal tuning method. The developed microthermal cycler shows excellent control performances and performs a successful DNA polymerase chain reaction.