Homogeneous Multiplex Detection Device with Thermal Convection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies for multiplex amplification and detection of target molecules in a liquid-phase reaction system are complex, prone to contamination, have low throughput, and inefficient amplification, especially when using exonuclease-free DNA polymerase.
Innovation Solution
A homogeneous multiplex detection device that includes a reaction vessel with heaters to create thermal convection, a reaction chip with immobilized nucleic acid probes, and a lid for sealing, allowing for simultaneous multiplex amplification and detection of target molecules in a single liquid phase.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If circular convection chambers are used for PCR amplification with microarrays for detection, then amplification and detection can be performed, but the structure becomes complicated and contamination probability increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the amplification chamber and detection chip into a single integrated reaction vessel. The detection chip is placed inside the reaction vessel, allowing amplification and detection to occur in the same sealed environment. This eliminates the need for separate chambers and reduces contamination risk while simplifying the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection chip is nested inside the reaction vessel, creating a hierarchical structure where the smaller detection component is contained within the larger amplification chamber. This nested arrangement allows both functions to coexist in a compact, integrated design that reduces complexity and contamination risk.
2Productivity
If circular convection chambers with microarrays are used, then detection can be performed, but detection throughput is low
Solution Approach 1:
The detection chip is segmented into multiple detection regions with different types of nucleic acid probes arranged in arrays. This segmentation allows simultaneous detection of multiple target molecules in parallel, significantly increasing throughput while maintaining a relatively simple processing workflow.
Solution Approach 2:
The reaction vessel serves multiple functions: it acts as both the PCR amplification chamber and the detection chamber. The same vessel used for amplification also contains the detection chip, eliminating the need for separate processing steps and increasing throughput.
3Productivity
If microarrays are used for detection, then detection can be performed, but production efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The detection chip is manufactured and sealed inside the reaction vessel in a single integrated process. This merging of manufacturing steps allows for automated mass production while maintaining high production efficiency, as the entire assembly can be produced as one unit.
4Reliability
If exonuclease-free DNA polymerase is used, then amplification can occur, but fidelity is low
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the temperature parameter by implementing a temperature gradient within the reaction vessel, with the second end maintained at a higher temperature (35-110°C) than the first end (30-75°C). This temperature control allows the use of high-fidelity DNA polymerase while maintaining amplification efficiency through thermal convection.
5Ease of operation
If separate amplification and detection systems are used, then functions can be performed, but the process is complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges separate amplification and detection systems into a single integrated reaction vessel. The detection chip is placed inside the reaction vessel, allowing both amplification and detection to occur in the same sealed environment, significantly simplifying the operational process.
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 simplifies the multiplex detection process, reduces contamination risk, increases detection efficiency, lowers costs, and enhances the reliability of reactions and detections.
Implementation Method 1
a first heater and a second heater, the first heater being arranged on the first end of the reaction vessel, and the second heater being arranged on the second end of the reaction vessel, to allow for the formation of thermal convection in the reaction vessel when used for nucleic acid amplification reactions
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a homogeneous multiplex detection device, its operation and detection processes thereof. The device comprises, a reaction vessel, providing a reaction space with two ends opposite to each other, wherein the first end of the reaction vessel is an open end and the second end of the reaction vessel is a closed end, and being used for nucleic acid amplification reactions; a reaction chip, positioning inside the reaction space and on the first end of the reaction vessel, and having a reaction surface where a plurality of types of nucleic acid probes corresponding to a plurality of types of target molecules are immobilized, wherein a plurality of types of nucleic acid probes of the reaction chip are corresponding to the plurality of types of target molecules, and are used for detecting nucleic acid molecules produced by amplification of the target molecules inside the reaction vessel; and a lid, detachably arranged on the first end of the reaction vessel to close the reaction space. The present invention simplifies multiplex detection process, reduces the possibility of product contamination, increases detection efficiency, reduces costs of use, and increases the reliability of reactions and detections.