Closed Nucleic Acid Detection Cartridge for Rapid On-Site Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nucleic acid detection methods are time-consuming, require complex equipment and environments, and pose biosafety risks, making rapid on-site detection challenging, especially in emergency settings.
Innovation Solution
A sample processing and detection apparatus with a syringe and solution chambers arranged in a wheel shape, utilizing a syringe with a puncture needle and push-pull rod to automate nucleic acid extraction and amplification, incorporating silica gel sealing plugs and target adsorption materials, and enabling closed-system liquid handling through pressure-driven movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional laboratory detection methods are used, then detection accuracy is maintained, but detection time is excessive and operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple detection steps (sample pretreatment, nucleic acid amplification, and result determination) into a single integrated device. The microfluidic chip integrates lysis chambers, adsorption columns, washing channels, and amplification reaction chambers, allowing all operations to be completed in one continuous flow without manual transfer between separate instruments, thereby reducing detection time while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical operations (manual pipetting, centrifugation, filtration) with a magnetic driving system. Magnetic beads are used to automate the capture, washing, and elution of nucleic acids through magnetic field control, eliminating the need for manual mechanical handling and reducing operation time while preserving detection precision.
2Measurement precision
If conventional laboratory detection methods are used, then detection accuracy is maintained, but device complexity and operational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple laboratory instruments (centrifuge, pipette, PCR machine, detector) into a single integrated microfluidic device. The chip contains all necessary functional chambers and channels, replacing complex external equipment with a compact unified system that maintains detection accuracy while simplifying the overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates automated magnetic bead-based nucleic acid extraction and purification functions internally. The magnetic driving mechanism automatically performs capture, washing, and elution operations without requiring external centrifuges or manual pipetting, making the device self-sufficient and reducing operational complexity.
3Ease of operation
If open system liquid handling is used, then operation simplicity is improved, but contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses sealed microfluidic channels with flexible membranes instead of open tubes. The channels are completely enclosed, preventing aerosol contamination and cross-contamination between samples, while the flexible membranes allow for magnetic actuation and liquid manipulation within the closed system, maintaining ease of operation without compromising reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic beads as an intermediary carrier for nucleic acid manipulation. The beads remain contained within the closed microfluidic system throughout the process, enabling automated handling without direct liquid transfer between open containers, thus eliminating contamination risks while maintaining operational simplicity.
4Loss of time
If rapid on-site detection is implemented, then detection time is reduced, but biosafety concerns increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs fully sealed microfluidic channels that prevent the release of infectious aerosols during sample processing. The closed system contains all liquid manipulations, eliminating the biosafety hazards associated with rapid on-site testing while maintaining fast detection speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses magnetic beads as a contained intermediary to handle infectious materials. All nucleic acid extraction and amplification operations occur within the sealed chip using magnetic field control, preventing operator exposure to pathogens and eliminating biosafety concerns associated with rapid on-site detection.
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 apparatus simplifies operations, reduces detection time, enhances biosafety, and enables miniaturized, integrated nucleic acid extraction and amplification, increasing the number of detectable samples and reducing contamination risks.
Implementation Method 1
silica gel sealing plug arranged at a contact surface between the channel and syringe movement cavity
Implementation Method 2
incorporating silica gel sealing plugs and target adsorption materials
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
A sample processing and detection apparatus and an application thereof, capable of efficiently implementing the entire detection process of extraction and amplification of a sample such as a pathogen nucleic acid in a short time, being safe and convenient.