CTC Detection via Dual Lysis and Genetic Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting and counting circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in blood samples are cumbersome and often require staining steps, which are difficult to automate and can lead to inaccurate results.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves two lysis operations to create lysates from which RNA and DNA are extracted, allowing for the classification of ribonucleic acids and the calculation of total cell counts and cell marker numbers without the need for staining.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If staining steps are performed for CTC detection, then cell markers can be identified, but the process becomes difficult to automate and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the detection process from staining-based optical methods to genetic material-based detection. By isolating and analyzing RNA and DNA from CTCs, the method eliminates the need for staining steps while enabling automation through standardized genetic analysis protocols that can be performed in fully automated workflows.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical staining and imaging system with a genetic analysis system. Instead of using stains and microscopes to detect cell markers, the method uses genetic material extraction and analysis, which can be automated through robotic liquid handling and standardized genetic testing protocols.
2Measurement precision
If staining steps are performed for CTC detection, then cell markers can be identified, but the process takes longer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the detection process from time-consuming staining steps to direct genetic material analysis. By focusing on RNA and DNA extraction and analysis, the method eliminates multiple staining, incubation, and washing steps while maintaining detection accuracy through genetic marker identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous processing by eliminating discrete staining steps that require incubation and washing. The genetic material extraction and analysis can be performed in a continuous automated workflow, reducing total detection time while maintaining precision through standardized genetic analysis.
3Measurement precision
If staining steps are used for cell counting, then cell markers can be visualized, but image processing is required which complicates the workflow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the optical imaging and image processing system with a genetic analysis system. Instead of capturing and analyzing images of stained cells, the method extracts and analyzes RNA and DNA, which can be quantified directly through genetic testing protocols without requiring complex image processing algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the detection principle from visual identification through staining to molecular identification through genetic material analysis. By detecting cell markers at the genetic level rather than the protein level, the method eliminates the need for optical imaging and image processing while maintaining marker identification accuracy.
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 method enables the quantitative detection of isolated CTCs by measuring genetic features, reducing the need for staining and improving the accuracy and efficiency of CTC detection, suitable for fully automated workflows.
Implementation Method 1
performing a first lysis operation with the sample to yield a first lysate of the sample
Data Source
AI summary
A method for detecting characteristic cells in a sample includes performing a first lysis of a sample to yield a first lysate wherein nuclei of the cells of the sample remain intact. Freely available RNA in the first lysate is extracted and classified to ascertain the amounts of various types of RNA in the first lysate. A second lysis operation on the previously lysed sample is performed to yield a second lysate wherein the cell nuclei of the cells in the sample are destroyed. DNA freely available in the second lysate is extracted and a total cell count of cells in the provided sample is calculated on the basis of the amount of extracted DNA. The number of cells having individual cell markers in the provided sample is calculated using the ascertained amounts of various types of RNA and the calculated total cell count.