Closed Biomolecule Purification Device with Magnetic Separation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical devices lack a fully closed, easy-to-operate system for purifying and testing biomolecules from biological samples, posing health risks to operators and risking cross-contamination, while also being unsuitable for point-of-care diagnostics due to size and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A fully closed, compact device component with mixing chambers, connection tubes, storage containers, sealing membranes, and magnetic beads, capable of liquid addition, solid-liquid mixing, magnetic separation, and sample transfer, which can be used for purification, testing, and storage of biomolecules, optionally with a detection sensor and automated or manual operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If biological samples are collected and sent to a central laboratory for separation and extraction of biomolecules, then the purification and detection can be performed with professional equipment, but the operators are exposed to infectious viruses and bacteria and harmful chemicals
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the purification process into discrete functional modules (mixing chamber, separation chamber, detection chamber) connected by valves and channels. Each module performs a specific function, allowing the sample to be processed through a series of controlled steps within a closed system, eliminating operator exposure while maintaining purification quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a closed automated system as an intermediary between the sample and the operator. The system includes automated liquid handling, magnetic separation, and detection components that process the sample without direct human contact, thereby protecting operators from infectious materials and chemicals while maintaining reliable purification results.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a fully closed purification and testing system is implemented, then operator safety and cross-contamination prevention are improved, but the device size and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (purification, separation, detection, and storage) into a single integrated closed system. The mixing chamber, separation chamber, detection chamber, and reagent storage are all part of one unified device with automated fluid handling, reducing the need for multiple separate equipment and minimizing cross-contamination risks while managing complexity through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The closed system is designed to perform multiple functions within a single platform: sample reception, reagent mixing, magnetic separation, detection, and result analysis. This multi-functionality reduces the overall system complexity compared to using separate dedicated equipment for each step, while maintaining effective cross-contamination prevention through the closed architecture.
3Measurement precision
If traditional centralized laboratory equipment is used, then accurate biomolecule analysis can be achieved, but the equipment is not suitable for point-of-care diagnosis due to size and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested structure where smaller functional components (mixing chamber, separation chamber, detection chamber) are arranged within a compact housing. The magnetic separation module is integrated within the detection chamber, and reagent storage is nested within the overall structure. This nesting approach maintains precise biomolecule detection capabilities while reducing the overall device footprint for portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical centrifugation systems with a magnetic separation mechanism. Magnetic beads are used to capture and separate biomolecules, controlled by magnetic fields generated by small electromagnets or permanent magnets within the device. This substitution eliminates the need for large centrifuges while maintaining separation precision, enabling point-of-care deployment.
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 solution provides a safe, efficient, and portable system for purifying and testing biomolecules, reducing operator exposure to infectious materials, minimizing cross-contamination, and enabling point-of-care diagnostics by allowing for stable storage and analysis of biomolecules.
Implementation Method 1
magnetic separation
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to, inter alia, an easy-to-operate, fully closed component, which can be part of an instrument, for purification of biomolecules from biological samples, and subsequent transfer, and testing of the biomolecules, as well as an instrument comprising the component, and a method for using the component.