Automated Sample Prep Module for DNA Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current manual sample preparation methods for DNA analysis are slow, cumbersome, prone to errors, and require specialized staff, with high costs and limited economic yield, making them inefficient and unreliable for widespread use outside laboratory settings.
Innovation Solution
A device and method for preparing and loading biological samples into silicon chips, which integrates fluid handling and filtration steps within a modular system, reducing manual handling and contamination risks, and enabling automated operation for rapid, cost-effective sample preparation suitable for lab-on-chip devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual sample preparation methods are used, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but the process becomes slow, cumbersome, and prone to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate manual operations (cell lysis, DNA binding, washing, elution, and loading) into a single integrated automated device. The device combines pretreatment chamber, filtration matrix, washing fluid reservoir, and elution/loading mechanisms into one unified system, eliminating the need for multiple separate devices and manual transfer steps between them.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs sample preparation autonomously without requiring manual intervention at each step. The automated piston mechanism drives fluid flow through the filtration matrix, automatically performs washing and elution, and loads the prepared sample into the chip well, making the system self-servicing and eliminating human error potential.
2Reliability
If manual manipulations are performed, then precision can be maintained by specialized staff, but the method becomes exposed to accidental errors and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The automated device eliminates the need for specialized manual operations by performing all sample preparation steps autonomously. The system self-regulates fluid flow, timing, and sequence of operations, making it operable by non-specialized staff while maintaining or improving result quality through consistent automated execution.
Solution Approach 2:
The filtration matrix acts as an intermediary component that automatically performs DNA binding, washing, and elution functions. This intermediary mechanism replaces manual pipetting and handling, reducing contamination risk from human contact while ensuring precise control over the sample preparation process.
3Productivity
If multiple devices and liquid transfers are used, then sample preparation can be completed, but the process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sequential operations (cell lysis, DNA binding, washing, elution, and loading) into a single integrated device with continuous automated fluid flow. This eliminates the time required for manual transfer between devices and allows parallel processing of multiple samples, significantly reducing total analysis time.
Solution Approach 2:
The device maintains continuous automated fluid flow through the filtration matrix throughout the entire sample preparation process. The piston-driven system ensures uninterrupted processing from pretreatment through loading, eliminating idle time between steps and maximizing productive action throughout the procedure.
4Ease of manufacture
If large amounts of reagents are used, then manual kit operations can be performed, but economic yield is reduced due to high costs
Solution Approach 1:
The device extracts and concentrates the essential sample preparation functions into a compact automated system with integrated fluid management. This eliminates the need for large volumes of reagents required by manual kit operations, as the automated piston-driven flow system precisely controls reagent delivery and minimizes waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated device self-regulates reagent usage through programmed fluid flow control, eliminating the excessive reagent consumption typical of manual operations. The system automatically optimizes reagent volumes for each step, reducing overall consumption while maintaining preparation quality.
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 solution provides rapid sample preparation with improved reliability and reduced costs, allowing for non-specialized staff to use the system, enhancing the quality and efficiency of DNA analysis while minimizing contamination and reagent usage.
Implementation Method 1
separation and recovery of the nucleic acid from the solution containing the lysed cell material. One of the most recent methods consists in the use of a matrix of silica gel in presence of chaotropic salts that adsorbs and binds the DNA
Implementation Method 2
a first piston displaceable within a first piston housing... a second piston displaceable within a second piston housing... fluid movement means for moving the liquids in the device
Data Source
AI summary
The device has a fluid inlet; a filtering compartment, connected to the fluid inlet and accommodating a filtering matrix in presence of adsorption agents; a fluidic circuit connected downstream of the filtering compartment and including a discharge circuit and a loading circuit; a discharge chamber, connected downstream of the discharge circuit; a preparation outlet, connected downstream of the loading circuit; and suction pumps, connected to the fluidic circuit and configured so as to fluidically connect the filtering compartment alternatively to the discharge circuit or to the loading circuit.