Gold Nanorod Laser Cell Disruption for Lab-on-a-Chip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for cell disruption, such as laser-induced cell lysis and conventional Laser-Irradiated Magnetic Beads Systems, are inefficient and require additional steps or materials, limiting the effectiveness of cell disruption and subsequent nucleic acid amplification, especially in Lab-on-a-Chip applications.
Innovation Solution
The use of gold nanorods in a solution with cells, irradiated by a laser to disrupt cells efficiently, allowing for continuous nucleic acid amplification without the need to remove the gold nanorods, which increases the surface area for energy transfer and does not interfere with optical properties or PCR processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If laser irradiation is used for cell disruption, then the process is non-contact and can be integrated into Lab-on-a-Chip, but the cell lysis efficiency is low because laser energy is not effectively transferred to the cells
Solution Approach 1:
Gold nanorods serve as intermediary particles that absorb laser energy and convert it to heat, which then transfers to the surrounding cells causing disruption. The nanorods mediate the energy transfer from laser to cells, solving the problem of inefficient direct laser-to-cell energy transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The introduction of gold nanorods changes the physical parameters of the system by adding particles with specific optical absorption properties. These nanorods have high absorption cross-sections at laser wavelengths, transforming the energy transfer mechanism and dramatically improving cell lysis efficiency.
2Productivity
If micro-magnetic beads are used for cell disruption, then cell disruption can be achieved, but the beads must be removed before downstream PCR processes and can adsorb fluorescent materials
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the cell disruption function from the magnetic bead system and implements it using gold nanorods that do not require removal. The nanorods remain in the solution without interfering with downstream PCR or fluorescent detection, eliminating the need for bead removal steps.
Solution Approach 2:
Gold nanorods maintain solution homogeneity better than magnetic beads. They do not aggregate or interfere with optical properties, allowing continuous PCR and fluorescent detection without removing the disruption agents, thus simplifying the overall process.
3Productivity
If conventional cell lysis methods are used, then cell disruption can be achieved, but additional reagents and multiple steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The gold nanorods perform cell disruption through photothermal heating when irradiated with laser, and the same nanorods remain inert during subsequent PCR processes. The system is self-sufficient as the nanorods continue to serve their function without requiring additional reagents or steps for nucleic acid amplification.
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 method enhances cell disruption efficiency, enables high-level nucleic acid release, and allows for real-time PCR without removing the gold nanorods, simplifying the analysis process and reducing the risk of cross-contamination, while being cost-effective and suitable for Lab-on-a-Chip implementations.
Implementation Method 1
Gold nanorods are gold nanoparticles in a rod form possessing good light absorption properties in the range of visible light to near infrared light
Implementation Method 2
irradiating a laser onto the gold nanorods to disrupt the cells
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a method of disrupting cells comprising adding gold nanorods to a solution containing cells and irradiating the gold nanorods with a laser to disrupt the cells. A method and an apparatus for continuously disrupting cells and amplifying nucleic acids in a single microchamber are also provided, wherein the method comprises introducing a solution containing cells and gold nanorods into a microchamber, irradiating a laser onto the gold nanorods to disrupt the cells, and amplifying a nucleic acid from the disrupted cells in the microchamber. The apparatus comprises a cell disruption chamber comprising a sample inlet, and gold nanorods introduced therein; a laser attached to the cell disruption chamber, wherein the laser is for generating light at a wavelength absorbed by the gold nanorods; and a heater and a cooler for heating and cooling the cell disruption chamber. Also disclosed is a lab-on-a chip comprising the apparatus.