DNA Chip Stirring via Non-Contact Particles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current DNA chips are insufficient in sensitivity, making it difficult to analyze small sample quantities and genes with low expression levels due to inadequate stirring methods that often damage the probe DNA-immobilized surface and result in low fluorescence intensity after hybridization.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of fine particles or air bubbles in a solution containing an analyte substance, where these particles or bubbles are moved without contacting the selective binding substance-immobilized surface, utilizing a carrier with a convex-concave structure to prevent damage and enhance stirring efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If stirring is performed using conventional methods, then the reaction between probe DNA and analyte DNA is accelerated, but the probe DNA-immobilized surface is damaged and fluorescence intensity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Fine particles are introduced as intermediary objects to perform the stirring function without directly contacting the probe DNA-immobilized surface. The particles move through the solution above the surface, creating fluid circulation that accelerates the reaction while the convex-concave structure prevents direct contact between particles and the immobilized DNA, thus protecting surface integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The stirring action is transferred from a two-dimensional surface contact mode to a three-dimensional volumetric mode. Fine particles move through the solution volume above the immobilized surface, creating vertical and horizontal circulation patterns that accelerate reaction kinetics without requiring direct particle-surface contact, thereby preventing damage while maintaining stirring effectiveness.
2Productivity
If fine particles are used for stirring, then the reaction efficiency is improved, but the particles may contact and damage the selective binding substance-immobilized surface
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier surface is given non-uniform local quality through the convex-concave structure. The convex portions provide elevated platforms where the selective binding substance is immobilized at higher positions, creating a spatial separation between the particle movement zone and the immobilized substance zone. This local structural variation allows particles to stir the solution without contacting the vulnerable immobilized regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The convex-concave structure is pre-formed on the carrier surface before the stirring process begins. This preliminary structural preparation creates built-in protection mechanisms that prevent particle-surface contact during subsequent stirring operations, eliminating the need for real-time control or monitoring to prevent damage.
3Productivity
If the clearance between cover glass and carrier is reduced, then the stirring effect is enhanced, but particles larger than the clearance cannot move and stirring becomes ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The convex-concave structure introduces curved three-dimensional surfaces to the otherwise flat carrier-glass interface. The convex portions create localized elevated regions that allow particles to pass through the clearance space without requiring the entire gap to be larger than the particle diameter. Particles can navigate around and over the convex structures, maintaining mobility even with reduced overall clearance while still enabling effective stirring motion.
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 approach increases the fluorescence intensity after hybridization and improves the signal-to-noise ratio, allowing for more effective analysis of trace amounts of analyte substances with higher sensitivity and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
mixing fine particles or air bubbles into a solution containing an analyte substance to be reacted with a selective binding substance immobilized on the surface of a carrier, and moving the fine particles or air bubbles
Data Source
AI summary
The method of stirring a solution according to the present invention is a method of stirring a solution comprising contacting a selective binding substance immobilized on the surface of a carrier with a solution containing an analyte substance reactive with the selective binding substance, and mixing the fine particles or air bubbles into the solution containing an analyte substance, and moving the fine particles or air bubbles without allowing contact thereof with the selective binding substance-immobilized surface.The present invention provides a stirring method that accelerates the reaction of a carrier-immobilized selective binding substance with an analyte substance and detects a trace amount of analyte at high signal intensity and high S/N ratio.The present invention enables diagnosis and examination in the clinical setting by using a selective binding substance-immobilized carrier such as DNA chip.