DNA Detection System with Variable Analysis Region
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current DNA detection methods, such as PCR, struggle to provide both qualitative and quantitative analysis of DNA sequences efficiently, especially in samples with low target DNA concentrations, as they often require amplification techniques that do not allow for precise concentration determination and are limited in their ability to switch between surface and volume detection modes.
Innovation Solution
A detection system and method that allow for varying the size and shape of the analysis region by altering the input radiation, enabling both qualitative and quantitative analysis through different detection modes, including confocal and non-confocal arrangements, to accommodate various sample properties and diagnostic needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If amplification techniques are used to detect low concentration target DNA, then the detectable quantity of target material increases, but the ability to perform quantitative determination of initial DNA concentration is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The invention performs preliminary quantitative measurement of target DNA concentration before amplification by detecting fluorescent signal during the amplification process. The fluorescent probe hybridizes to the target DNA and generates a signal that is measured at specific cycles (e.g., cycle 15) to determine the initial concentration, allowing both amplification for detection and quantification to occur simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses real-time monitoring of fluorescent signal during PCR amplification cycles to provide feedback on the amplification progress and target DNA concentration. By measuring the fluorescent signal at predetermined cycles and comparing it to reference values or using standard curves, the system can calculate the initial target DNA concentration with quantitative precision
2Reliability
If end-point PCR detection methods are used, then the presence of target DNA can be detected qualitatively, but quantitative determination of DNA concentration cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from discontinuous end-point detection to continuous real-time monitoring during PCR amplification. The fluorescent probe continuously monitors the amplification process throughout multiple cycles, allowing both qualitative detection (presence/absence) and quantitative determination (concentration) to be achieved from the same continuous measurement process
3Measurement precision
If fluorescence detection is used to monitor DNA concentration dynamically at every amplification cycle, then quantitative determination becomes possible, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention performs fluorescence measurement at selected predetermined cycles (e.g., cycle 15) rather than continuously at every single cycle. This partial sampling approach provides sufficient quantitative information to determine initial DNA concentration while significantly reducing the complexity, time, and cost associated with continuous measurement at every cycle
Solution Approach 2:
The fluorescent probe serves multiple functions simultaneously: it amplifies the target DNA sequence through PCR, provides qualitative detection of target presence, enables quantitative determination of initial concentration, and monitors amplification efficiency. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems for each detection purpose
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
Enables flexible, cost-effective, and scalable analysis of DNA samples, allowing for simultaneous qualitative and quantitative determination of DNA sequences, improving diagnostic capabilities in molecular diagnostics by adapting to different sample conditions and reaction processes.
Implementation Method 1
detecting output radiation, in this case fluorescence, from an analysis region of a sample
Data Source
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Figure 2~3b
Figure 4a~5
AI summary
A detection system, comprising: a radiation source (24) for providing input radiation; a radiation focusing arrangement (26) for providing the input radiation to an analysis region of a sample (20);—a radiation collection (26) arrangement for collecting output radiation from the analysis region of the sample resulting from interaction of the input radiation with the sample; a radiation detector (28) for detecting the collected output radiation; operating means (40,50,60) for operating the detection device in a first detection mode and a second detection mode, wherein in the first detection mode the analysis has a first size and/or shape and wherein in the second detection mode the analysis region has a second size and/or shape that is different from the first size and/or shape.