Bead-Containing Caps for Automated Sample Preparation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard lab practices for sample preparation involving multiple sample processing steps and the use of magnetic beads lead to contamination risks, sample losses, increased consumable costs, and labor costs due to the need for multiple containers and pipette tips, and require manual removal of magnetic beads before analysis.
Innovation Solution
A method and cap design that integrates magnetic or non-magnetic beads within a container or cap system, allowing for physical separation and mixing with samples, followed by magnetic retention or filtration, enabling automated sample preparation without manual bead removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple sample containers and pipette tips are used for sample preparation steps, then sample processing can be performed, but contamination risk and sample loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sample preparation functions (bead mixing, bead separation, sample processing) into a single integrated container system. The container holds both the sample and magnetic beads, eliminating the need to transfer samples between multiple containers and reducing contamination risk from repeated handling and pipetting.
Solution Approach 2:
Magnetic beads serve as an intermediary that enables sample processing without direct liquid transfer. The beads capture analytes from the sample, allowing separation and concentration steps to occur within the same container, thereby reducing contamination from external pipette tips and containers.
2Productivity
If multiple sample containers and consumables are used for sample preparation steps, then sample processing can be performed, but consumable costs and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple consumable functions into a single reusable container system. By performing all sample preparation steps in one container, the number of disposable pipette tips, tubes, and vials required is dramatically reduced, lowering consumable costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic beads are retained and recovered after sample processing rather than being discarded with the sample. The beads can be reused for multiple sample preparations, significantly reducing the cost of consumables over time.
3Productivity
If magnetic beads are used for sample preparation, then the number of sample preparation steps is reduced, but manual removal of beads before analysis is required
Solution Approach 1:
The container system performs automatic bead separation using a magnet integrated into the container or applied externally. The magnetic field automatically draws the magnetic beads to a specific location or retains them in place, eliminating the need for manual bead removal operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field serves as an intermediary that enables automatic bead separation. By applying a magnetic field through the container wall or using an integrated magnet, beads are separated without manual intervention, maintaining automation compatibility.
4Manufacturing precision
If magnetic beads are chemically modified to capture analytes, then sample preparation effectiveness is improved, but automation compatibility is reduced due to manual removal requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the analyte capture function with automatic magnetic separation in a single integrated system. The chemically modified magnetic beads perform their capture function while the magnetic field simultaneously handles separation, enabling the entire process to be automated without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service automatic separation where the magnetic field automatically manages bead positioning and separation after analyte capture. This eliminates the manual removal step that previously broke automation, allowing fully automated sample preparation workflows.
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
Reduces contamination and sample loss, decreases consumable and labor costs, and facilitates automation by integrating bead processing directly within the sample container, enhancing efficiency and reducing manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
applying a magnetic force to the plurality of beads so as to retain the plurality of beads in the cap
Implementation Method 2
applying a magnetic force to the plurality of beads draws the plurality of beads into the cap
Data Source
AI summary
A method for processing a sample in a container includes introducing the sample to the container. A cap is applied to the container. The cap contains a plurality of beads. The plurality of beads is mixed with the sample. The plurality of beads is separated from the sample. Subsequent to removing the plurality of beads, a further process is initiated.