Cloudy-Precipitated Solution for One- and Multi-Step Nucleic Acid Extraction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current nucleic acid extraction methods face challenges such as inefficient extraction of nucleic acids from tough cells, contamination by cellular components, use of expensive materials, and time-consuming processes, which hinder downstream applications like PCR and sequencing.
Innovation Solution
A novel cloudy precipitated (CP) solution and buffer compositions are used for nucleic acid extraction, which remain cloudy even when heated, effectively lysing cells and extracting nucleic acids without clear solvents, and can be used as a one-step or multi-step process to achieve high yield and quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional extraction methods (alcohol precipitation, salting out, organic solvent extraction) are used, then nucleic acids can be extracted, but the process is time-consuming and requires multiple steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple extraction functions into a single integrated step using a cloud-based platform that simultaneously performs sample loading, nucleic acid extraction, purification, and quality assessment. This merging of previously separate conventional steps into one unified process directly reduces processing time while maintaining extraction effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical and chemical extraction methods with an automated cloud-based system that uses digital processing and computational algorithms to analyze and extract nucleic acid information, eliminating the need for manual laboratory procedures and reducing processing time.
2Quantity of substance
If conventional extraction methods are used, then nucleic acids can be extracted, but expensive consumables and accessories are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable microfluidic chips and single-use consumables that are cost-effective and eliminate the need for expensive, reusable laboratory equipment. These disposable components maintain nucleic acid yield while significantly reducing overall costs compared to conventional methods requiring expensive glassware and specialized accessories.
Solution Approach 2:
The cloud-based platform provides a universal extraction system that can handle various sample types and nucleic acid preparations through a single integrated workflow, eliminating the need for multiple specialized consumables and accessories required by conventional methods for different extraction scenarios.
3Quantity of substance
If conventional extraction methods are used, then nucleic acids can be extracted, but contaminants and cellular components remain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs selective extraction mechanisms that specifically target and remove contaminants and cellular components while preserving nucleic acids. The cloud-based system uses sophisticated filtration and purification algorithms to separate desired nucleic acid molecules from unwanted contaminants, achieving high purity alongside high yield.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary substances and computational filters that mediate between the raw sample and the final purified nucleic acid product. These intermediaries selectively bind to or filter out contaminants while allowing nucleic acids to pass through, achieving effective separation and purification that conventional methods struggle to achieve.
4Quantity of substance
If conventional extraction methods are used, then nucleic acids can be extracted, but tough cells like gram-positive bacteria, fungi, and yeast are difficult to break
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic, adaptable extraction protocols that can adjust processing parameters in real-time based on sample type and cell wall complexity. The cloud-based system detects sample characteristics and automatically optimizes extraction conditions to effectively penetrate and break down tough cell walls of gram-positive bacteria, fungi, and yeast while maintaining nucleic acid integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite extraction reagents and multi-component processing systems that combine multiple mechanisms for cell wall penetration and nucleic acid release. These composite formulations include enzymatic components, chemical agents, and physical processing elements work together to effectively break down resistant cell walls while preserving nucleic acid quality.
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 method achieves high-quality nucleic acid extraction with minimal loss, enabling direct amplification and reducing processing time and costs, with improved yield and purity compared to commercial kits.
Implementation Method 1
effectively lysing cells and extracting nucleic acids
Implementation Method 2
extracting nucleic acids without clear solvents
Implementation Method 3
remain cloudy even when heated
Implementation Method 4
centrifuge the mixture
Data Source
AI summary
The invention utilizes a single Cloudy-Precipitated Buffer solution (CP Solution) for extracting biomolecules, including nucleic acids. The CP Solution remains cloudy even when heated, becoming clear only with the addition of organic solvents. It can be used in its cloudy state in both One-Step-Method and Multiple-Steps-Method, collectively referred to as OM Method. OM Method involves treating samples with various buffer compositions under optimized conditions, available as a kit. The CP Solution, containing anionic, cationic, and non-ionic detergents, chaotropic agents, alcohols, salts, oils, adsorbents, and organic solvents, does not require heating or organic solvents to clear. It effectively lyses cells and extracts nucleic acids without the need for multiple buffers or additional chemicals. This innovation reduces costs, labor, time, and errors, while minimizing pollution. The invention includes various buffer compositions for nucleic acid extraction and a corresponding kit, addressing current extraction process challenges.