Thermal Bed Design for Temperature-Controlled DNA Amplification Using Optoelectronic Sensors

Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) is a widely used technique for nucleic acid amplification due to its high specificity, sensitivity, and rapid results. Advances in microfluidic lab-on-chip (LOC) technology have enabled the integration of LAMP into miniaturized devices, known as μ-LAMP, which require precise thermal control for optimal DNA amplification. This paper introduces a novel thermal bed design using PCB copper traces and FR−4 dielectric materials, providing a reliable, modular, and repairable heating platform. We present the design, fabrication, and control mechanisms of the thermal bed, demonstrating its ability to maintain accurate temperatures essential for μ-LAMP applications. The thermal bed’s performance is validated through finite element method (FEM) simulations, confirming its effectiveness in diverse applications such as disease diagnostics, biological safety, and forensic analysis.