Chamber Particle Digital PCR Without Droplet Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digital PCR systems require droplet generation, which adds complexity and cost to the overall assay, and the system. This is a system. The system is not intended to be limited to the particular examples disclosed herein. Indeed, the present techniques include all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents falling within the scope of the following claims.
Innovation Solution
The system uses separate, solid, distributed chambers, referred to as chamber particles, to perform digital PCR without droplet generation, simplifying the system and integrating with Thermal Inkjet microfluidics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If digital droplet PCR is used for nucleic acid amplification, then quantitative analysis precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to droplet generation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the droplet generation step from the digital PCR process. Instead of using a droplet generator to create individual droplets for PCR reactions, the invention uses solid chamber particles that can be directly incorporated into the amplification reaction mixture, thereby removing the complex droplet generation subsystem while maintaining the digital counting capability for quantitative analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses solid chamber particles as copies or representations of droplets. These chamber particles serve the same functional purpose as droplets in digital PCR (isolating individual nucleic acid molecules for amplification) but in a solid form that eliminates the need for droplet generation equipment. Each chamber particle acts as an independent reaction vessel, copying the droplet function without requiring the complex droplet formation process
2Productivity
If droplet generation is used in digital PCR, then nucleic acid amplification can be performed, but the overall assay cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive solid chamber particles that can be easily manufactured and disposed of after use. These chamber particles replace expensive droplet generation equipment and reagents. The chamber particles are simple solid structures that can be produced through straightforward manufacturing processes, significantly reducing the cost per sample while maintaining amplification capability
Solution Approach 2:
By removing the droplet generation step entirely from the assay protocol, the invention eliminates the associated equipment costs, reagent costs, and operational costs. The simplified approach uses directly incorporable chamber particles that reduce the overall number of components and steps required, thereby lowering the total assay cost while preserving nucleic acid amplification functionality
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 approach simplifies the PCR process by obviating the need for droplet generation, reducing complexity and cost, and enabling easy integration with TIJ microfluidics.
Implementation Method 1
The chamber particles are contacted with a nucleic acid solution, and the nucleic acid molecules diffuse into the chamber particles
Implementation Method 2
The chamber particles are pre-treated with reagents using thermal inkjet microfluidics
Data Source
AI summary
Examples relate to techniques for performing a nucleic acid amplification reaction. The method includes generating a nucleic acid solution comprising a plurality of nucleic acid molecules, and combining the nucleic acid solution with a plurality of chamber particles. Each chamber particle includes a chamber for receiving the nucleic acid solution, wherein the chamber receives, at most, one of the plurality of nucleic acid molecules. Each chamber particle also includes reagents for causing a polymerase chain reaction within the chamber. The method further includes inducing nucleic acid amplification to generate an amplified nucleic acid, and performing a detection process to detect the presence of the amplified nucleic acid within the chamber.