  We address the need for affordable, rapid, and easy to use diagnostic
technologies by coupling an innovative thermocycling system that harnesses
natural convection to perform rapid DNA amplification via the polymerase chain
reaction (PCR) with smartphone-based detection. Our approach offers an
inherently simple design that enables PCR to be completed in 10-20 minutes.
Electrical power requirements are dramatically reduced by harnessing natural
convection to actuate the reaction, allowing the entire system to be operated
from a standard USB connection (5 V) via solar battery packs. Instantaneous
detection and analysis are enabled using an ordinary smartphone camera and
dedicated app interface.
