Actuated Nucleic Acid Isolation for Equipment-Free Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current nucleic acid detection at point-of-care is hindered by laboratory-based sample processing methods requiring specialized equipment and skilled personnel, limiting its use in resource-limited settings, while nucleic acid-based diagnostics offer higher sensitivity and accuracy than antigen-based tests.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a housing with a binding chamber and multiple chambers connected by channels, utilizing actuators to convey fluids for nucleic acid isolation without the need for external equipment, allowing for rapid and equipment-free nucleic acid isolation from various samples.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If laboratory-based sample processing methods are used, then nucleic acid isolation accuracy is improved, but device complexity and requirement for specialized equipment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple laboratory functions (lysis, binding, washing, elution) into a single integrated device. The binding chamber integrates magnetic bead-based nucleic acid isolation with fluid delivery systems, eliminating the need for separate pipettors, centrifuges, and incubators while maintaining laboratory-grade accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs multiple functions through a single platform: sample lysis, magnetic bead binding, wash buffer application, and nucleic acid elution. The fluid delivery system can accommodate different buffer types and sample volumes, making the device universally applicable for nucleic acid isolation without requiring multiple specialized tools.
2Measurement precision
If laboratory-based sample processing methods are used, then nucleic acid isolation accuracy is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device pre-assembles all necessary components including magnetic beads, binding chambers, and fluid delivery systems before use. Reagents are pre-loaded into the device, and the binding chamber is pre-configured, eliminating the need for time-consuming assembly steps during actual sample processing and reducing overall processing time while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated fluid delivery system enables continuous processing without interruption. The system seamlessly transitions between lysis, binding, washing, and elution steps without manual intervention delays, maintaining continuous useful action throughout the nucleic acid isolation process and significantly reducing total processing time compared to manual laboratory methods.
3Reliability
If skilled lab personnel are required, then nucleic acid isolation reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed to perform nucleic acid isolation autonomously without requiring skilled laboratory personnel. The automated fluid delivery system, integrated binding chamber, and pre-configured reagents enable the device to self-perform lysis, binding, washing, and elution steps, making the process as easy as loading the sample while maintaining laboratory-grade reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The device acts as an intermediary between the sample and the final nucleic acid extraction. The integrated binding chamber and automated fluid delivery system mediate the complex interaction between reagents and sample, controlling fluid flow, timing, and mixing automatically, thereby eliminating the need for skilled operator intervention while ensuring consistent reliable results.
4Productivity
If rapid nucleic acid isolation is achieved, then productivity is improved, but device complexity may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs pneumatic and hydraulic principles through its automated fluid delivery system. Pressurized fluid delivery and vacuum-assisted magnetic bead separation enable rapid nucleic acid isolation in under 5 minutes. The fluid dynamics-based mechanisms facilitate quick and efficient transfer of reagents and samples, achieving high productivity without requiring complex mechanical moving parts.
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
Enables rapid nucleic acid isolation in under 5 minutes, eliminating the need for laboratory equipment and skilled personnel, and providing sensitive and accurate diagnostics.
Implementation Method 1
a binding chamber with a binding component capable of binding nucleic acid therein
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, devices, and systems for isolating nucleic acid e.g., in a point of need setting, featuring a housing with a binding chamber therein, the binding chamber comprising a binding component capable of binding nucleic acid or other molecule or biomolecule of interest, and at least one fluid chamber for housing a sample or other solutions such as but not limited to buffers fluidly connected to the binding chamber. The fluids in the fluid chamber can be conveyed to and from the binding chamber, for example with the use of an actuator.