Automated Sample Extraction System Reducing Cross-Contamination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sample preparation and extraction methods for analytic processing systems, such as PCR and ELISA, face contamination risks due to the handling and movement of pipettes, leading to false results, and require extensive space and manual handling, which increases the likelihood of cross-contamination.
Innovation Solution
An automated sample extraction system with a series of units, including a storage unit, sample preparation unit, sample extraction unit, and waste unit, designed to minimize sample movement and contamination, using a rotary table and robots to process samples in a serial pattern, with a reaction tube having a valve-separated compartment for waste, and magnetic beads for purification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical separation between sample preparation, amplification and detection areas is used, then contamination risk is reduced, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines sample preparation, amplification, and detection functions into a single integrated device. The reaction chamber serves multiple purposes: sample preparation area, amplification area, and detection area. This eliminates the need for physical separation between these functions while maintaining contamination control through automated closed-system processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The reaction chamber is designed as a multi-functional component that performs sample preparation, nucleic acid amplification, and detection functions. The same chamber and associated components (heating element, optical detection system) serve multiple purposes throughout the diagnostic process, reducing the need for separate dedicated areas for each function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual handling and transport of samples between separate stations is used, then flexibility is maintained, but cross-contamination risk and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates sample preparation, reagent addition, amplification, and detection functions within a single reaction chamber and automated device. This eliminates the need to manually transport samples between separate stations, thereby removing the contamination risk associated with manual handling while maintaining operational flexibility through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated device performs all sample processing functions autonomously without requiring manual intervention for sample transport between stations. The system self-manages the entire diagnostic workflow from sample preparation through detection, eliminating human contact with samples during critical processing steps.
3Ease of manufacture
If separate stations for shaking, heating, magnetic separation and waste drainage are used, then functional specialization is achieved, but space consumption and sample movement requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate functions (shaking/mixing, heating, magnetic separation, and waste drainage) into a single integrated reaction chamber and device. The reaction chamber accommodates all these functions simultaneously or sequentially without requiring separate physical stations, thereby dramatically reducing the space required while maintaining functional capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The reaction chamber is designed as a universal platform that supports multiple functions: mechanical shaking for mixing, heating for amplification, magnetic separation for bead-based purification, and integrated waste drainage. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate specialized stations for each function.
4Extent of automation
If numerous stops and starts of the pipette assembly over sample tubes are used, then automated processing is achieved, but vibration-induced cross-contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the pipetting function entirely from the system by using pre-filled reagent reservoirs and automated dispensing mechanisms integrated into the reaction chamber. This eliminates the need for a separate pipette assembly that moves over sample tubes, thereby removing the source of vibration-induced contamination while maintaining automated processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The reagent dispensing function is merged with the reaction chamber system rather than being a separate moving component. Reagents are delivered through integrated channels and dispensing mechanisms that operate within the sealed reaction chamber environment, eliminating vibrations from external pipette movements.
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
The system reduces contamination risks, minimizes manual handling, and consolidates processes, enabling efficient and accurate sample extraction with reduced cross-contamination and operational time, while maintaining a sterile environment.
Implementation Method 1
applying a magnetic field to the magnetic bead-target compounds complex
Implementation Method 2
steps of shaking, heating, applying a magnetic field to the magnetic bead-target compounds complex
Implementation Method 3
steps of shaking, heating, applying a magnetic field to the magnetic bead-target compounds complex
Data Source
AI summary
An automated biologic sample extracting system from a set of biological samples with a small footprint with minimal movement of the set of consumables, thereby reducing potential contamination during the extraction process. The extracting system comprising a set of reaction tubes, a storage unit to store a set of consumables; a sample preparation unit; a sample extraction unit; a waste unit; a plurality of robots to move tubes, samples, and boxes, and a programmable control system programmed to process samples in a serial pattern in which a series of samples follow one another to be processed in a time sequence and in succession so that it keeps a fixed processing turnaround time of each sample no matter when a sample would start the process.