Composite Liquid Cell Nucleic Acid Library Preparation Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current nucleic acid library preparation for next-generation sequencing (NGS) is labor-intensive and requires high local concentrations of target molecules, necessitating automated and miniaturized processes that are challenging to streamline, especially in small volume workflows.
Innovation Solution
The development of complete nucleic acid library preparation devices featuring a thermal chip module with multiple nodes, a robotically controlled liquid handler, and a bulk reagent dispenser, which automate steps such as liquid transfer, reagent addition, and thermal cycling, enabling efficient production of nucleic acid libraries in a compact and user-friendly format.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated machinery is used to streamline library preparation workflows, then productivity and ease of operation are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated library preparation system is divided into distinct functional modules: a thermal chip module with multiple nodes for parallel processing, a robotic liquid handler for automated liquid transfer, and a bulk reagent dispenser for reagent distribution. Each module operates semi-independently, allowing high throughput while managing complexity through functional decomposition.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal chip module serves multiple functions: it provides thermal cycling for PCR amplification, houses multiple reaction nodes for parallel library preparation, and interfaces with both the robotic liquid handler and bulk reagent dispenser. This multi-functionality increases productivity while avoiding the need for separate dedicated devices for each function.
2Quantity of substance
If miniaturized processes are implemented to reduce reagent consumption and increase concentration, then manufacturing precision and concentration are improved, but device complexity and difficulty of operation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs nested liquid handling where the robotic liquid handler transfers liquids into the thermal chip module nodes, and the bulk reagent dispenser adds reagents to the same nodes. This nested arrangement allows precise control of small volumes within a unified platform, achieving miniaturization without requiring entirely separate microfluidic devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal chip module acts as an intermediary between the robotic liquid handler and the bulk reagent dispenser. It receives both sample liquids and reagents, provides a controlled thermal environment for reactions, and consolidates multiple small-volume operations into a single accessible platform, simplifying operation while maintaining miniaturization benefits.
3Measurement precision
If high local concentrations of target molecules are required for accurate sequencing, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to concentration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
Each node in the thermal chip module is designed to concentrate target molecules locally through controlled sample input and thermal cycling. The system ensures high local concentrations at each reaction node without requiring complex global concentration control mechanisms, as each node independently achieves the necessary concentration for accurate sequencing.
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
These devices facilitate the automated production of nucleic acid libraries with minimal user intervention, achieving high efficiency and accuracy in nucleic acid library preparation for NGS applications, capable of producing large numbers of libraries in a short period while maintaining precise control over temperature and liquid handling.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal chip module comprising multiple nodes
Implementation Method 2
capable of producing large numbers of libraries in a short period while maintaining precise control over temperature
Data Source
AI summary
Complete nucleic acid library preparation devices are provided. Aspects of the devices include: a thermal chip module comprising multiple nodes; one or more plate locations; a robotically controlled liquid handler configured to transfer liquid between the one or more plate locations and the thermal chip module; and a bulk reagent dispenser configured to access each node of the thermal chip module.