Genotype Analysis Device Mobility Model Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
In STR analysis, fluctuations in migration speed during electrophoresis can lead to inaccurate DNA fragment sizing, necessitating frequent use of allelic ladders, which increases costs and complicates the analysis process, especially in devices with a single capillary where samples and ladders cannot be electrophoresed simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A genotype analysis device and method that utilize a data analysis device with a mobility model management unit to predict the correspondence between standard and measured DNA base lengths based on environmental information during electrophoresis, reducing the need for allelic ladders by predicting correction lengths and updating look-up tables accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If allelic ladders are used frequently to correct migration speed fluctuations, then measurement precision of DNA fragment length is improved, but loss of substance increases due to unnecessary consumption of allelic ladders
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses environmental information from the electrophoresis process itself to predict migration speed fluctuations and calculate correction lengths, eliminating the need for external allelic ladder references. The mobility model management unit performs self-correction based on environmental parameters such as temperature and voltage, allowing the system to serve itself without consuming additional allelic ladder substances.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the physical allelic ladder reference system with a computational mobility model that predicts DNA fragment migration based on environmental information. Instead of using physical DNA standards (allelic ladders) to correct measurements, the system substitutes this with a mathematical model that calculates correction lengths based on environmental parameters, thereby eliminating the need for physical reference substances.
2Reliability
If allelic ladders are used frequently to ensure accurate allele identification, then reliability of genotype analysis is improved, but productivity decreases due to increased analysis time and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary prediction of migration speed fluctuations using environmental information collected during electrophoresis setup. The mobility model management unit calculates expected correction lengths before the actual DNA fragment analysis, allowing the system to prepare correction data in advance rather than requiring post-run allelic ladder comparisons, thus speeding up the overall analysis process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the time-consuming physical allelic ladder electrophoresis and comparison process with a computational mobility model that instantly predicts correction lengths based on environmental parameters. This substitution eliminates the need for separate reference runs and manual comparisons, significantly reducing analysis time while maintaining reliability through accurate mathematical modeling.
3Manufacturing precision
If allelic ladders are used to correct for migration speed fluctuations, then manufacturing precision of DNA fragment sizing is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional electrophoresis steps
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts the essential correction information from the environmental conditions of the electrophoresis process itself. Instead of requiring separate allelic ladder electrophoresis steps, the mobility model management unit extracts temperature, voltage, and other environmental parameters directly from the main electrophoresis run and uses these to predict correction lengths, thereby eliminating the need for additional electrophoresis steps while maintaining sizing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of running separate allelic ladder electrophoresis with a computational mobility model that uses environmental sensors and mathematical algorithms to predict migration behavior. This substitution transforms a multi-step mechanical process into a single integrated process with computational correction, reducing device complexity while maintaining manufacturing precision.
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
This approach allows for reduced allelic ladder usage, lowering the cost of STR analysis and simplifying the process by enabling accurate DNA fragment sizing without the need for frequent allelic ladder electrophoresis, thereby improving analysis efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
Electrophoresis is performed to measure a fragment length of the target DNA fragment obtained by the PCR. The electrophoresis is a method for separating the DNA fragment using a fact that a migration speed in a charged migration path is different depending on the length of the DNA fragment
Implementation Method 2
Each sample, that is, each DNA fragment is labeled with a fluorescent dye and an optical detector disposed at an end portion of the capillary detects a fluorescence signal of the electrophoresed sample
Data Source
AI summary
A genotype analysis device includes an electrophoresis device and a data analysis device. A mobility model management unit including an environment information receiving unit, a prediction model storage unit, and a mobility prediction unit is provided in an STR analysis unit of the data analysis device. The mobility prediction unit generates a prediction model for predicting a correction amount of a standard base length of an allele, based upon an environmental condition at the time of electrophoresis received by the environmental information receiving unit and an electrophoresis result of an allelic ladder. A base length of the allele is corrected from the environmental condition without using the allelic ladder by using the prediction model.