Cartridge System for Complex Sample Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current molecular diagnostic methods using swabs are limited in collecting complex samples with both liquid and solid phases, such as stool, causing physical discomfort, reducing test precision, and increasing the risk of bacteria or virus transmission during sample collection.
Innovation Solution
A cartridge system and method for extracting DNA or RNA from complex samples, featuring a cartridge body with a complex sample collector, buffer solution unit, filter units, and robotic integration for pretreatment processes, allowing for efficient mixing and separation of samples without physical discomfort or contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If swabs are used to collect specimens, then liquid state specimens can be collected, but complex samples with liquid and solid mixture cannot be tested
Solution Approach 1:
The collection device is segmented into a swab portion for liquid sampling and a scraper portion for solid sample collection. This segmentation allows the device to handle both liquid and solid components of complex samples separately, enabling comprehensive collection of stool samples while maintaining test precision through dedicated collection mechanisms for each phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The collection device is designed with multi-functionality, combining both swab and scraper functions in a single instrument. The scraper can collect solid stool samples while the swab collects liquid components, making the device universal for handling complex samples with mixed phases, thereby improving sample type adaptability without compromising reliability.
2Ease of operation
If swab is inserted deep into nasal cavity or throat, then specimen collection is achieved, but physical discomfort and resistance occur
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the collection function from the deep insertion requirement by using a scraper that collects solid samples from the surface or near-surface of stool samples. This eliminates the need for deep insertion into nasal cavity or throat, removing the source of physical discomfort while maintaining efficient specimen collection through the scraper and swab mechanism.
3Ease of operation
If deep insertion is performed for sample collection, then specimens can be obtained, but bacteria or viruses may spread to collector
Solution Approach 1:
The collection device employs disposable swabs and scrapers that are discarded after single use. This eliminates the risk of bacterial or viral transmission to the collector by ensuring that each collection instrument is used only once and then disposed of, maintaining specimen collection capability while preventing harmful factor transmission.
4Quantity of substance
If conventional swab collection is used, then liquid specimens can be collected, but complex samples with liquid and solid phases cannot be processed
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the swab and scraper into a single integrated collection device. The scraper handles solid components while the swab handles liquid components, allowing the device to process complex samples with both liquid and solid phases. This merging approach increases sample phase coverage without significantly increasing device complexity, as both functions are combined in one instrument.
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 precise molecular diagnostic testing of complex samples like stool, reducing physical discomfort and bacterial/viral transmission, while enhancing test precision and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the collecting unit is rotated by a spin head of a robot device such that the complex sample is mixed with the buffer solution or mixed beads included in the buffer solution
Implementation Method 2
a filter unit receiving unit formed in the cartridge body and configured to accommodate a filter unit such that the pump head attaches the filter unit to the first tip and filters the buffer solution accommodated in the buffer solution receiving unit through the filter unit
Data Source
AI summary
The cartridge system for extraction of a complex sample may include: a cartridge body; a complex sample collector for collecting a complex sample to provide same to the cartridge body; a buffer solution receiving unit formed in the cartridge body and configured to accommodate a buffer solution therein and provide a space in which, after a collecting unit of the complex sample collector is immersed in the buffer solution, the collecting unit is rotated by a spin head of a robot device such that the complex sample is mixed with the buffer solution or mixed beads included in the buffer solution; and a complex sample collector disposal unit formed in the cartridge body and configured to temporarily store the complex sample collector to discard same after the complex sample is provided to the buffer solution receiving unit.