Software for gene-biosensor based on PCR and electrical bioimpedance

Gene detection by the use of bioimpedance measurements is an emerging technical proposal from the last two decades. Our recent studies have shown the feasibility to use multifrequency bioimpedance to detect specific label-free Deoxyribonucleic Acids (DNA) sequence in the final product of Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). We have developed a gene-biosensor integrated by a thermocycler block for final point PCR process and a relative bioimpedance meter at every PCR cycle in the sample. The system demands a dynamic software for all gene-biosensor modules control. This work reports a control program design for a gene-biosensor based on PCR product and bioimpedance measurements, the general structural philosophy, operating routines and subroutines as well as its interaction with the hardware in every module are described. The program was designed on the basis of Python language version 3.8.3 with the support of the Visual Studio Code as Integrated Development Environment (IDE), and using Windows 10 as the operating system. Results indicate the control program allows a suitable governing of the bioimpedance meter and PCR thermocycler block, both as a well-integrated system. Bioimpedance and temperature measurements are in agreement with the control operating structural design. Additional amendments regarding an on-line monitoring system are warranted.