PCR has become one of the most valuable techniques currently used in bioscience, diagnostics and forensic science. Here we review the history of PCR development and the technologies that have evolved from the original PCR method. Currently, there are two main areas of PCR utilization in bioscience: high-throughput PCR systems and microfluidics-based PCR devices for point-of-care (POC) applications. We also discuss the commercialization of these techniques and conclude with a look into their modifications and use in innovative areas of biomedicine. For example, real-time reverse transcription PCR is the gold standard for SARS-CoV-2 diagnoses. It could also be used for POC applications, being a key component of the sample-to-answer system.

Brno University of Technology Central European Institute of Technology Purkyňova 123 612 00 Brno Czech Republic

Brno University of Technology Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Communications Technická 3058 10 616 00 Brno Czech Republic

Department of Microsystem Engineering School of Mechanical Engineering Northwestern Polytechnical University Xi'an Shaanxi 710072 PR China

Institute of Biology and Medical Genetics 1st Faculty of Medicine Charles University and General University Hospital Prague Purkyně Institute Albertov 4 Praha 2 128 00 Czech Republic

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