Fibril Cellulose Gel Barrier for Phase Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for phase separation in molecular biology, process chemistry, and organic chemistry, such as those using phenol and chloroform, face challenges with contamination and inefficient separation due to unstable interphases and potential carcinogenic materials, necessitating a new, rapid, and efficient separation agent.
Innovation Solution
Fibril cellulose is used as a separation agent that forms a stable gel barrier between phases, allowing for clear separation of hydrophilic and hydrophobic phases, organic and inorganic phases, and solid or semi-solid materials from liquids, effectively preventing interphase contamination and enhancing the purity of extracted compounds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If phenol and chloroform are used for phase separation, then DNA can be extracted from biological samples, but the solvents are potentially carcinogenic and the interphase barrier is unstable leading to contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gel barrier layer composed of crosslinked gelatin, polyvinyl alcohol, or carboxymethyl cellulose as an intermediary substance between the organic and aqueous phases. This gel layer acts as a physical mediator that stabilizes the interphase boundary, preventing direct contact and mixing between the two liquid phases, thereby eliminating contamination risks while maintaining effective DNA extraction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable gel barriers that are pre-formed and discarded after single use. These inexpensive gel layers are placed in extraction tubes to create stable phase separation, eliminating the need for repeated use and sterilization of glassware, and ensuring that each extraction uses a fresh, uncontaminated barrier
2Productivity
If phenol and chloroform are used for phase separation, then DNA extraction can be performed, but the interphase barrier is not stable making phase separation difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The gel barrier layers are pre-formed and pre-crosslinked before use, establishing the phase separation structure in advance. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for time-consuming phase separation procedures during actual DNA extraction, as the barrier is already in place when samples are added
Solution Approach 2:
The pre-formed gel barrier acts as a stable intermediary that maintains distinct phase boundaries throughout the extraction process, preventing emulsion formation and facilitating rapid, clean phase separation without requiring extended centrifugation or manual manipulation
3Manufacturing precision
If traditional phase separation methods are used, then DNA can be extracted, but interphase contamination occurs making it difficult to obtain pure samples
Solution Approach 1:
The crosslinked gel barrier serves as a reliable intermediary layer that physically separates the organic and aqueous phases, preventing protein and debris from the interphase from contaminating the DNA-containing aqueous phase. This stable barrier ensures consistent, high-purity DNA extraction across multiple samples
Solution Approach 2:
The gel barrier functions as a flexible, porous film that allows small molecules like DNA to pass through while blocking larger contaminants. The thin gel layer maintains phase separation effectiveness without creating excessive diffusion barriers, ensuring pure DNA recovery
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
Fibril cellulose provides a clear and stable interphase, improving the separation efficiency and purity of nucleic acids and other compounds, reducing contamination risks, and is non-toxic, heat-stable, and compatible with PCR processes, making it suitable for various chemical and biological applications.
Implementation Method 1
Fibril cellulose is used as a separation agent that forms a stable gel barrier between phases
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to the use of a separation agent comprising fibril cellulose for phase separation, as well as to a method for the separation of at least one liquid phase from at least one phase selected from a second liquid phase, solid phase and semi-solid phase, where the method comprises the steps of incorporating a separation agent comprising fibril cellulose to a mixture where separation of the phases is desired, followed by formation of phases and removing the phases.