Nucleic Acid Processing with Electrostatic ePCR and Thermocycling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for nucleic acid analysis are limited by small sample sizes, low throughput, and time-consuming processes, necessitating the need for high-throughput, efficient, and accurate analysis of larger sample volumes.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a container with electrostatic blocks and a thermal block, controlled by a controller, which alternates electrodes between positive and neutralizing ions at a predetermined frequency and maintains a specific temperature for nucleic acid processing, and a thermocycler with fluid channels and fins for thermocycling samples in cartridges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional nucleic acid analysis methods are used, then accuracy is maintained, but throughput is low and processing time is long
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the nucleic acid sample into multiple partitions or wells within a single container, allowing parallel processing of multiple samples or reactions simultaneously. This segmentation enables high-throughput analysis while maintaining the accuracy of individual reactions, directly resolving the contradiction between throughput and processing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated system: the container serves as both reaction vessel and thermal chamber, electrostatic blocks provide both mixing and temperature control, and the system processes multiple samples simultaneously. This merging eliminates the need for separate equipment and sequential operations, dramatically improving throughput while reducing processing time.
2Productivity
If larger sample volumes are processed, then throughput increases, but reagent consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different conditions to different regions or wells within the container, allowing optimization of reagent volumes for each specific reaction. This local quality approach enables processing of larger total sample volumes while consuming reagents efficiently in each individual reaction compartment, resolving the contradiction between throughput and reagent consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrostatic blocks enable dynamic control of mixing intensity and temperature for each well independently. By optimizing these parameters locally, the system achieves effective nucleic acid analysis with smaller reagent volumes per reaction, allowing larger overall throughput without proportional increases in reagent consumption.
3Productivity
If high-throughput processing is implemented, then speed increases, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The container is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as the reaction chamber, thermal regulation chamber, and mixing chamber simultaneously. The electrostatic blocks provide both mixing and temperature control functions. This multi-functionality enables high-throughput processing without requiring proportionally more complex equipment, as a single system performs multiple operations that would traditionally require separate devices.
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
Facilitates high-throughput, efficient, and accurate analysis of larger sample volumes with improved speed and reagent usage, enabling faster processing and analysis of nucleic acid samples.
Implementation Method 1
activate said first electrostatic block and said second electrostatic block to subject an electrode of said first electrostatic block or said second electrostatic block to alternate between positive and neutralizing ion at a predetermined frequency
Implementation Method 2
using said thermal block, change or maintain a temperature of a content of said container at a predetermined temperature or temperature range
Implementation Method 3
a thermocycler with fluid channels and fins for thermocycling samples in cartridges
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides methods and processes for increasing the efficiency and accuracy of nucleic acid sequencing using techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Methods and systems provided herein may facilitate performing reactions such as emulsion PCR (ePCR) on samples comprising nucleic acids and beads. The methods provided herein may provide a higher throughput compared to existing technologies.