Fluidic Centripetal Device for Nucleic Acid Extraction and Amplification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current molecular diagnostic protocols for nucleic acid testing are complex, require specialized equipment, and are not easily integrated into compact, portable devices due to the challenges of sample preparation and fluid handling, particularly in controlling inhibitors and achieving robust valving in microfluidic systems.
Innovation Solution
A fluidic centripetal device that utilizes centripetal force to simplify sample preparation, control fluid flow, and integrate multiple functions such as nucleic acid extraction and amplification, featuring a rotor-based design with magnetic and thermal actuation, and phase-change materials for valving, allowing for efficient sample processing and multiplex real-time detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional molecular diagnostic protocols are used, then accurate nucleic acid detection is achieved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple molecular diagnostic functions (nucleic acid extraction, amplification, and detection) into a single integrated microfluidic device. The device integrates sample preparation, PCR amplification, and real-time detection capabilities in one compact platform, eliminating the need for separate equipment for each step while maintaining diagnostic accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The microfluidic device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can extract nucleic acids from various sample types, perform PCR amplification with different primers and probes, and detect multiple targets simultaneously. This multi-functional design reduces the need for specialized equipment for each diagnostic task
2Productivity
If high-throughput robotic units are used to automate molecular diagnostics, then processing efficiency is improved, but the device size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the molecular diagnostic process into distinct microfluidic modules (sample loading, lysis, purification, amplification, and detection chambers) that can process multiple samples in parallel. Each module is miniaturized but maintains the functionality needed for efficient processing of multiple samples simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The microfluidic channels and chambers are nested within a compact device structure, with smaller reaction chambers positioned within larger fluid handling zones. This nested arrangement maximizes the processing capacity within a minimal device footprint, enabling high-throughput processing without requiring large robotic systems
3Adaptability or versatility
If sample preparation steps are integrated into the microfluidic device, then the device functionality is improved, but the fluid handling complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The microfluidic device incorporates passive fluid handling mechanisms where sample preparation steps occur automatically through the device architecture. For example, centrifugal force drives fluid flow through different chambers, magnetic beads perform automated purification, and temperature gradients enable phase separation without requiring external pumps or valves for each step
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple reaction chambers are used for multiplex detection, then the detection capability is improved, but the contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses dedicated transfer channels and magnetic bead intermediaries to move samples between reaction chambers. These intermediaries and isolated channels prevent direct contact between different reaction mixtures, minimizing cross-contamination risk while enabling multiplex detection of multiple nucleic acid targets in the same device
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 rapid, efficient sample preparation and nucleic acid amplification in a compact, portable format, reducing the need for complex equipment and allowing for simultaneous processing of multiple samples, while maintaining robustness and minimizing contamination risks.
Implementation Method 1
rotate the rotor assembly to transfer the fluid from the sample intake receptacle to the retention chamber
Implementation Method 2
phase-change materials for valving
Implementation Method 3
heating the retention chamber, thereby releasing the liquid reactant from the container
Implementation Method 4
bottom-fillable chamber including a translocatable member that translocates in response to an external fluctuating magnetic field
Implementation Method 5
a fluidic network through which the fluid flows under centripetal force
Data Source
AI summary
A fluidic centripetal apparatus for testing components of a biological material in a fluid is presented. The fluidic centripetal device is adapted to be received within a rotatable holder. The apparatus comprises a fluidic component layer having fluidic features on at least a front face and a bottom component layer bonded to a rear of the fluidic component layer thereby creating a fluidic network through which the fluid flows under centripetal force. In one embodiment, the fluidic feature may be a bottom-Tillable chamber coupled to an entry channel for receiving the fluid, the chamber inlet being provided at an outer side of the bottom-fillable chamber. In another embodiment, the fluidic feature may be a retention chamber coupled to an entry channel for receiving the fluid, a container wholly provided in the retention chamber and containing a liquid diluent, the container maintaining the liquid diluent in the container until it releases it in the retention chamber upon application of an external force to the container, thereby restoring the fluidic connection between the liquid diluent and the fluid in the retention chamber. Additionally, the retention chamber can have a flow decoupling receptacle for receiving the fluid, located at the outer side of the retention chamber and interrupting a fluidic connection between the entry and exit of the retention chamber. A test apparatus and a testing method using a fluidic centripetal device for testing components of a biological material in a fluid are also provided.