Gel Cutting Device with Blue Light Illumination for DNA Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for visualizing and extracting DNA from agarose gels using transilluminators are inefficient due to DNA degradation from UV light exposure, sample contamination risks, and imprecise cutting with razor blades, leading to inconsistent results and excessive reagent usage.
Innovation Solution
A gel cutting device comprising a lane cutter with a body, handle, and illumination source, which allows precise cutting and extraction of DNA lanes without UV light, reducing degradation and contamination risks, and a band cutter for further processing of extracted DNA bands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If UV light is used to visualize DNA in gel, then DNA can be visualized, but DNA is degraded and only about 1% is usable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the illumination parameter from UV light to blue light (450-480 nm wavelength), which allows visualization of DNA with certain dyes without causing the photodegradation that occurs with UV light, thereby maintaining DNA integrity while achieving visualization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the limitation of blue light (not all photoreactive dyes react to blue light) into a benefit by selecting dyes that are compatible with blue light excitation, thereby eliminating UV damage while maintaining visualization capability
2Ease of operation
If a razor blade is used to cut gel pieces, then DNA can be extracted, but cutting is not exact and widely varying amounts of gel are excised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual razor blade cutting mechanism with a motorized cutting device that uses a rotating blade or laser to precisely excise gel pieces containing DNA bands, thereby achieving consistent and accurate cutting dimensions
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting device is designed to automatically position and cut the gel based on pre-programmed parameters or visual feedback from the imaging system, eliminating the need for manual measurement and cutting by the operator
3Ease of operation
If a razor blade is used to cut gel pieces, then DNA can be extracted, but sharps hazard is presented to the user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual razor blade with an automated cutting mechanism that eliminates direct user contact with sharp objects, thereby removing the sharps hazard while maintaining the DNA extraction function
4Illumination intensity
If transilluminator is used for imaging gels, then DNA can be visualized, but device is large, bulky and not amenable to repeated mobility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the traditional transilluminator system into separate portable components: a mobile imaging device with integrated illumination and a separate gel processing area, allowing the imaging function to be moved between locations while maintaining functionality
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 device enables efficient, precise, and consistent DNA extraction with reduced reagent usage and minimized sample contamination, maintaining DNA integrity for improved post-processing results.
Implementation Method 1
The body may further comprise an exterior portion. The exterior portion may be tapered toward the bottom surface such that the taper may comprise at least a portion of the cutting surface.
Data Source
AI summary
A device used to cut lanes and bands from an agarose gel is provided. The instrument uses cutting edges to separate DNA in lanes as well as in bands to allow for easier processing of separated DNA. This device also allows for standardization of the sizes of cut bands so that less is wasted.