Acoustic Wave Sensor Nucleic Acid Detection Impure Samples
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current nucleic acid detection methods require purification of samples before analysis, which is time-consuming and prone to non-specific binding issues, especially when dealing with impure liquid samples containing reagents and contaminants.
Innovation Solution
An acoustic wave sensor method that measures energy loss changes to detect nucleic acids in impure samples without purification, using a sensing surface that allows both specific and non-specific binding, enabling direct analysis of impure liquid samples with integrated amplification capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sample purification is performed before analysis, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts only the necessary detection function from the complex purification process. By using an acoustic wave sensor that can detect nucleic acids directly in impure samples through energy loss measurements, the method eliminates the time-consuming purification step while maintaining detection capability. The sensor selectively responds to nucleic acid binding events even in the presence of contaminants.
Solution Approach 2:
The acoustic wave sensor acts as an intermediary that enables direct detection without purification. The sensor surface with specific biorecognition elements serves as a mediator that selectively binds target nucleic acids from impure samples, allowing the detection system to distinguish signal from background interference through energy loss measurements.
2Reliability
If sample purification is performed before analysis, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the purification subsystem from the overall detection system, simplifying device architecture. The acoustic wave sensor directly analyzes impure samples, eliminating the need for separate purification equipment, reagents, and operational steps while maintaining reliable detection through selective binding and energy loss measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The acoustic wave sensor performs multiple functions: it serves as both the detection element and the interface for direct sample analysis. The sensor surface with biorecognition elements provides selective binding, while the acoustic wave measurement provides detection, all within a single device that accepts impure samples directly, reducing the need for multiple specialized components.
3Measurement precision
If sensor surface suppresses non-specific binding, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of trying to prevent non-specific binding through complex surface chemistry, the invention inverts the approach: it allows non-specific binding to occur but uses energy loss measurements to distinguish specific from non-specific interactions. The acoustic wave sensor detects the mechanical properties of bound molecules, enabling differentiation based on binding characteristics rather than preventing binding entirely.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the detection parameter from frequency shift (mass-sensitive) to energy loss (dissipation). This parameter change enables discrimination between specific and non-specific binding because the mechanical energy dissipation characteristics differ between tightly bound specific complexes and loosely bound non-specific interactions, providing operational simplicity without sacrificing precision.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach allows for reliable and rapid detection of nucleic acids in complex samples by distinguishing between target and non-specific binding, providing improved discrimination and eliminating the need for sample purification.
Implementation Method 1
measuring the energy loss of the acoustic wave, and comparing the measured energy loss with a reference to thereby determine the presence or amount of the nucleic acid target
Implementation Method 2
an acoustic wave sensor which supports an acoustic wave than can propagate when the sensing surface of the acoustic wave sensor is in contact with a liquid in use
Data Source
AI summary
An acoustic sensor detects binding of a nucleic acid analyte in an impure liquid sample by measurement of the energy of the acoustic wave resulting from the binding of the nucleic acid target to the sensor surface. The analysis may be preceded by carrying out a nucleic acid amplification procedure in situ on a crude or impure biological sample and the analysis is tolerant of the presence of reagents or by-products of the amplification procedure, and also materials present from the initial biological sample.