Sample Preparation Cassette with Segmented Isolation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing DNA sample preparation devices face contamination issues due to exposed cavities and are inefficient for processing single samples, requiring multiple samples to be prepared simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A cassette with a mixing chamber, holding chambers for enzymes and magnetic particles, and a magnet for separating nucleic acid from bulk material, allowing for controlled processing and isolation of DNA in a closed system, enabling the preparation of one or a few samples at a time without contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional processing steps are used in exposed cavities, then multiple samples can be prepared simultaneously, but contamination occurs and single sample preparation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the sample preparation process into separate isolated chambers (first chamber for lysis, second chamber for magnetic separation, third chamber for washing) rather than using a single exposed cavity. This segmentation allows controlled processing of individual samples while preventing cross-contamination between samples and environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses a closed chamber system with sealed walls and membranes to isolate the sample processing environment from the external environment. This prevents contaminants from entering the chambers while allowing reagents and samples to be introduced through controlled access points.
2Ease of operation
If exposed cavities are used for sample processing, then access to samples is easy, but contaminants can easily affect the DNA
Solution Approach 1:
The chambers are designed as sealed enclosed spaces with controlled access points. Samples and reagents are introduced through sealed ports, and the closed structure prevents environmental contaminants from entering while maintaining accessibility for controlled sample introduction and retrieval.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful element (open exposure to environment) is removed from the system. Instead of open cavities, the device uses sealed chambers where only necessary access points are opened, and even then under controlled conditions, extracting the contamination risk from the sample processing environment.
3Manufacturing precision
If magnetic particles are used to bind nucleic acid, then separation from bulk material is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device separates the magnetic particle binding and separation process into a dedicated second chamber distinct from the lysis chamber and washing chamber. This segmentation allows the magnetic separation function to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system modularity and manageable complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Magnetic particles serve as an intermediary substance that binds to nucleic acid in the first chamber, allowing the nucleic acid to be transferred to the second chamber where magnetic force enables separation from bulk material. This intermediary approach simplifies the separation mechanism compared to direct mechanical separation methods.
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 cassette effectively isolates DNA from single samples while preventing contamination, allowing for efficient and controlled processing of nucleic acid samples, improving the precision and purity of the DNA extraction process.
Implementation Method 1
at least one magnet, positionable to attract the magnetic particles together with the nucleic acid and at least partially separate the nucleic acid from the bulk material in the at least one mixing chamber
Implementation Method 2
an enzyme in the first holding chamber, the enzyme being transferable into the at least one mixing chamber to break the cells and release nucleic acid from the cells
Implementation Method 3
magnetic particles in the second holding chamber, the magnetic particles being transferable to the at least one mixing chamber to bind with the nucleic acid
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A cassette for preparing a sample is disclosed herein. The cassette includes a housing, which encloses the structures and the processes used to prepare the sample.