(372n) Development of a Curie Pendulum-Based, Non-Electrical Temperature Control for Thermal Cyclers

PCR testing is a cornerstone in molecular biology for amplifying DNA sequences, with thermal cyclers being essential for this process. To address the limitations of conventional thermal cyclers—bulkiness, high energy consumption, and cost—we introduce an innovative, electricity-free thermal cycler that leverages the Curie pendulum principle. This approach capitalizes on the temperature-dependent magnetism of materials, specifically employing nickel with a Curie temperature of approximately 358 °C, to generate oscillatory motion necessary for PCR like thermal cycling. We integrate the coupled physics of magnetism, heat transfer, and dynamics within a model that includes a temperature-dependent magnetic field to simulate the system's behavior accurately. This comprehensive model allows for precise manipulation of the system's parameters to achieve the desired oscillatory motion. Experimentally, we explore the system's temperature oscillations by varying the mass of the nickel strips, the position of the heat source (butane flame), and the magnetic field strength. These experiments are crucial for understanding how each factor influences the system's efficiency and effectiveness in replicating the thermal cycling process. By placing a PCR tube on top of the oscillating nickel strips, we can – in principle - demonstrate that the device can cycle through hot and cold temperatures corresponding to the denaturing and annealing phases of PCR, respectively. The introduction of this Curie pendulum-based thermal cycler represents a significant advancement in making PCR testing more accessible and feasible in point-of-care settings. By eliminating the need for electricity and leveraging the intrinsic properties of nickel, this device not only offers a cost-effective and sustainable solution to thermal cycling challenges but also holds the potential to broaden the applicability of PCR testing across various environments.