Gel Extraction Device Using Freeze-Thaw Pore Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for extracting biomolecules from agar and agarose gels are labor-intensive, require expensive equipment and reagents, and generate waste, while also being inefficient and time-consuming, often resulting in impurities that inhibit downstream reactions.
Innovation Solution
A gel extraction device with multifunctional and reusable forceps, a detachable cutting element, and a sampler component, combined with a freeze/thaw method that utilizes the unique physical properties of water, agar, and agarose to expand pore size, allowing for easy release of biomolecules without the need for buffers or columns, and a simple, eco-friendly process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional razor blade based methods are used for gel extraction, then gel slicing can be performed, but the process is labor-intensive, time-consuming, and generates waste
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical razor blade cutting with a thermal cutting element that uses heat to slice through the gel. This thermal field substitution eliminates the need for manual razor blade operations, reducing labor intensity and time while preventing waste from discarded blades.
Solution Approach 2:
The gel extraction device is designed to be self-contained and reusable, with the cutting element integrated into the forceps structure. The device performs multiple functions (cutting, lifting, transferring) in one tool, eliminating the need for separaterazor blades and reducing waste generation.
2Reliability
If expensive columns and reagents are used for biomolecule extraction, then DNA recovery is achieved, but the cost increases and waste is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and utilizes the natural freeze-thaw properties of water within the gel matrix itself, eliminating the need for expensive commercial extraction columns and reagents. By taking advantage of the inherent physical properties of the gel components, the method achieves DNA recovery without introducing external chemical reagents that would create waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The method changes the temperature parameter (freezing and thawing cycles) to alter the physical state of water within the gel, causing pore expansion and biomolecule release. This physical parameter change replaces chemical reagents and columns, reducing both cost and waste while maintaining DNA recovery reliability.
3Quantity of substance
If conventional gel extraction methods are used, then biomolecules can be recovered, but impurities remain that inhibit downstream reactions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phase transitions of water (freezing to solid, thawing to liquid) within the gel matrix to selectively release biomolecules. The repeated freeze-thaw cycles cause water to expand and contract, creating mechanical stress that disrupts the gel structure and releases DNA, RNA, or proteins while leaving behind impurities in the gel matrix, thereby improving purity.
4Reliability
If multiple processing steps are performed for gel extraction, then biomolecule recovery is achieved, but the process becomes labor-intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple extraction steps into a single integrated freeze-thaw process. By combining cutting, release, and recovery operations into one unified method using the gel's inherent freeze-thaw properties, the process eliminates the need for separate incubation, centrifugation, and washing steps, reducing both complexity and labor while maintaining extraction effectiveness.
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 enables high-quality DNA recovery with minimal effort and cost, suitable for sequencing, PCR, and other applications, without generating waste, and is applicable to various biomolecules and metabolites, offering an efficient and environmentally friendly solution.
Implementation Method 1
Temperature lower than −4° C. is first proposed as freezing temperature for agar and agarose
Implementation Method 2
the frozen water (buffer) increased the volume by 9%, this increase in volume enlarges the pore size of agar and agarose
Implementation Method 3
The enlarged pore size was not recoverable when water (buffer) is thawed, therefore, the DNA, RNA, protein or other Bio-extracts released with the thawed buffer
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure provides for a gel extraction device comprising multifunctional and reusable forceps, a removable cutting element, and a sampler component. The disclosure further provides for a freeze/thaw method which can be used to recover biomolecules from agar or agarose gels.