Cartridge-Based Nucleic Acid Extraction with Integrated Waste Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional nucleic acid extraction devices are inefficient due to the need for multiple devices for pre-treatment processes, long processing times, and inefficient space utilization, particularly in handling and disposing of waste solutions.
Innovation Solution
A nucleic acid extraction method using a cartridge with a driving part connected to a control rod and rotation control module, which sequentially sucks and mixes samples and reagents, and discharges the mixture through a nucleic acid capture filter, allowing for efficient processing and waste management within the cartridge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional nucleic acid extraction devices are used with separate devices for each pre-treatment process, then each process can be performed with dedicated equipment, but the processing time increases and space utilization becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate pre-treatment processes (concentration, purification, and waste disposal) into a single integrated cartridge system. The cartridge contains multiple chambers that can perform different functions sequentially, eliminating the need to move samples between separate devices and thereby reducing processing time while maintaining process reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge is designed as a multi-functional device that can perform concentration, purification, and waste disposal functions within a single unit. The multiple chambers in the cartridge can handle different reagents and samples, making the device universal for various pre-treatment operations without requiring separate dedicated equipment
2Object-generated harmful factors
If conventional nucleic acid extraction devices discharge waste solution to a separate waste fluid chamber, then waste can be properly disposed, but space utilization becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the waste disposal function into the same cartridge where sample processing occurs. The cartridge includes chambers for both sample processing and waste collection, consolidating what would traditionally be separate locations into a single integrated unit, thereby improving space utilization while maintaining proper waste management
Solution Approach 2:
The waste collection chamber is nested within the cartridge structure alongside other functional chambers. This nested arrangement allows waste disposal functionality to be incorporated within the compact cartridge design without requiring additional external space, thus improving overall space utilization
3Reliability
If multiple separate devices are used for pre-treatment processes, then each process can be optimized with dedicated equipment, but the device structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple pre-treatment functions into a single cartridge with multiple chambers, each optimized for specific processes. This integration reduces the number of separate devices needed while maintaining process optimization through dedicated chambers within the unified cartridge structure
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge is segmented into multiple functional chambers, each designed for specific pre-treatment operations. This segmentation allows each process to be optimized within its dedicated chamber while the overall cartridge structure remains simple and integrated, reducing device complexity
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
This method reduces nucleic acid extraction time, simplifies the device structure, and enables efficient discharge of waste liquids, improving overall processing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
driving the rotation control module and the control rod module, sequentially sucking sample and reagents from the plurality of chambers separated from each other into an interior space, and discharging the mixture of the interior space into the chamber of the cartridge
Implementation Method 2
the mixed solution in step (b) is discharged through a nucleic acid capture filter
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a nucleic acid extraction method using a cartridge comprising: (a) a driving part of a nucleic acid extraction device is connected to a control rod module disposed in an inner space of the upper body of a piston and a rotation control module coupled to the lower body of the piston; (b) driving the rotation control module and the control rod module, sequentially sucking sample and reagents from the plurality of chambers separated from each other into an interior space, and discharging the mixture of the interior space into the chamber of the cartridge; and (c) driving the rotation control module and the control rod module to suck the reagent inside the master mix bead chamber of the cartridge into the interior space of the piston upper body and then discharge the mixed reagent to a nucleic acid amplification module.