Centrifugation Container Set for HMW DNA Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for separating high molecular weight (HMW) and ultra-high molecular weight (UHMW) DNA from a carrier member are laborious, prone to material loss, contamination, and cannot be automated, due to the need for manual pipetting steps that risk damaging or mixing samples.
Innovation Solution
A centrifugation container set with a centrifugation container and collection vessel, geometrically coordinated to maintain a free distance from the outlet opening to the vessel base, allowing for the DNA to be separated in a single step using centrifugation, with a retaining device keeping the carrier member at a distance from the outflow opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual pipetting steps are used to transfer elution buffer with DNA, then the separation process can be performed, but material loss and contamination occur, and the process cannot be automated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual pipetting operations with an automated centrifugation system. The centrifugation container set with geometrically coordinated components enables automated separation of DNA-containing elution buffer from the carrier member, eliminating manual intervention and associated risks of contamination and material loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The centrifugation container set is designed to perform the separation process autonomously through centrifugal force. The geometric coordination between the outlet opening and vessel base creates a self-regulating system where the DNA-containing buffer automatically flows to the collection vessel while the carrier member remains retained, without requiring manual pipetting steps.
2Productivity
If manual pipetting is used to transfer DNA-containing elution buffer, then separation can be achieved, but DNA molecules may be damaged due to shear forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual pipetting with a centrifugation-based separation system that avoids shear forces. The geometric coordination between the outlet opening and vessel base allows gentle flow of DNA-containing buffer without the mechanical stress of pipette tips, preserving DNA molecule integrity while maintaining separation efficiency.
3Reliability
If multiple pipetting steps are performed to separate DNA from carrier member, then separation can be achieved, but the process becomes laborious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separation steps into a single centrifugation operation. The centrifugation container set integrates the retention of the carrier member and the collection of DNA-containing buffer in one coordinated system, eliminating the need for multiple sequential pipetting steps and significantly reducing process time while maintaining complete separation.
4Speed
If the carrier member is placed close to the outlet opening for efficient separation, then separation speed increases, but DNA threads may form and cause contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the local quality principle by creating a specific geometric relationship between the outlet opening and vessel base. The outlet opening is positioned at a precise distance from the vessel base, creating a localized flow path that prevents DNA thread formation while maintaining efficient separation speed. This optimized local geometry eliminates the harmful effect of thread formation without sacrificing separation efficiency.
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 allows for reliable, automated separation of HMW and UHMW DNA without manual pipetting, reducing the risk of material loss and contamination, while preserving the integrity of long DNA molecules for sequencing and optical genome mapping.
Implementation Method 1
centrifuging the centrifugation container set in order to separate the elution buffer containing the DNA from the carrier member
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for separating HMW DNA and/or UHMW DNA from a carrier member (8), to which the DNA is releasably attached, using a centrifugation container set (2) having at least one centrifugation container (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f, 10g, 10h) and at least one collection vessel (40a, 40b, 40c, 40d, 40e, 40f, 40g, 40h), wherein the centrifugation container (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f, 10g, 10h) is separably plugged on the collection vessel (40a, 40b, 40c, 40d, 40e, 40f, 40g, 40h), wherein the centrifugation container (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f, 10g, 10h) has a container wall (14), which surrounds a container interior (12), and a container base (16) having at least one outflow opening (20), wherein the outflow opening (20) forms at least one flow path (24) from the container interior (12) of the centrifugation container (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f, 10g, 10h) to a vessel interior (42) of the collection vessel (40a, 40b, 40c, 40d, 40e, 40f, 40g, 40h) for a fluid to be centrifuged, wherein the at least one centrifugation container (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f, 10g, 10h) and the at least one collection vessel (40a, 40b, 40c, 40d, 40e, 40f, 40g, 40h) are geometrically coordinated with one another such that there is a free distance (a) from an outlet opening (22) of the outflow opening (20) of the centrifugation container (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f, 10g, 10h) to a vessel base (44) of the collection vessel (40a, 40b, 40c, 40d, 40e, 40f, 40g, 40h) in the direction of a main extension axis (H1) of the centrifugation container (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f, 10g, 10h), wherein the free distance (a) is selected such that possible threads of the DNA detach from the outlet opening (22).