ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., Aug. 2 -- Cell Robotics International Inc. reports that the US Patent Office has allowed a fundamental physics patent for the performance of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using infrared irradiation, including lasers. PCR is a tool for scientists in the study and analysis of the molecules of genetic material for diagnostic, forensic and research applications. In-house research and development using Cell Robotics core technology led to the invention and patent application by Jerome Conia, chief scientist, and C. Larry Keenan, workstation product manager.
Experiments done by Conia and collaborating scientists at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratories are to be submitted for publication in the near future. The results of these experiments identify and quantify the spatial and temporal domains of the thermal effects of laser irradiation required to achieve PCR. Cell Robotics will seek to license this technology or to develop it through partnerships with other companies or laboratories.