Integrated Nucleic Acid Analysis System for Parallel Sample Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automated systems for molecular diagnostic testing are limited in their ability to simultaneously process multiple samples for different nucleic acid analyses, leading to inefficiencies and increased time and costs, particularly in small-to-medium hospitals, where resources and sample volumes are limited.
Innovation Solution
An integrated real-time nucleic acid analysis system comprising automated separation and purification instruments, a real-time nucleic acid amplifier with a multi-well temperature circulation block, and a controller, enabling simultaneous qualitative and quantitative analysis of multiple target nucleic acids from various biological samples using a single apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single automated system performs nucleic acid extraction, amplification, and analysis sequentially for one sample type, then the system maintains operational simplicity, but it cannot simultaneously process multiple different sample types, leading to wasted time and resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple automated extraction systems and a single amplification/analysis system into an integrated platform. Multiple extraction modules can process different sample types (hepatitis B, tuberculosis, etc.) simultaneously, and the purified nucleic acids are automatically transferred to a shared real-time PCR system for parallel amplification and detection, thereby increasing overall throughput without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The real-time PCR system serves as a universal platform that can amplify and detect multiple different target nucleic acids from various sample types using the same basic machinery. The system uses programmable control to adapt to different detection protocols, making a single device capable of handling diverse diagnostic tests simultaneously
2Measurement precision
If multiple separate automated systems are used to detect different nucleic acids, then each system can be optimized for its specific function, but the overall testing time increases and resources are duplicated
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple extraction systems are merged into a coordinated network where each extraction module is optimized for its specific sample type, and all purified nucleic acids are simultaneously transferred to a shared amplification system. This parallel processing architecture maintains the detection precision of specialized systems while eliminating sequential testing delays
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables continuous operation where extraction, purification, and amplification processes occur simultaneously and continuously across multiple sample types. The automated transfer mechanisms ensure that as soon as nucleic acid purification is complete in one module, the sample is immediately transferred to the amplification system, eliminating idle time and maintaining continuous productive action
3Quantity of substance
If a 96-well nucleic acid amplification reactor is used for small numbers of samples, then the equipment is available, but the apparatus is underutilized and operates uselessly for most of the time
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the amplification process into multiple independent reaction channels within the 96-well reactor, allowing simultaneous processing of multiple different sample types and target nucleic acids. Each well can be independently programmed for different amplification protocols, enabling the full utilization of all 96 positions even with small total sample numbers by processing multiple targets in parallel
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 system allows for efficient and cost-effective simultaneous detection of multiple nucleic acids from different samples, reducing the time and resources required for testing, thereby enabling small hospitals to perform various clinical tests more efficiently.
Implementation Method 1
separating and purifying nucleic acids from various kinds of biological samples
Implementation Method 2
amplification, identification, and output of test results are automated... based on a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
Implementation Method 3
a multi-well temperature circulation block, and real-time measuring the quantity of different kinds of target nucleic acids
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided are an apparatus for integrated real-time nucleic acid analysis and a method for detecting target a nucleic acid using the same, and more particularly an integrated real-time nucleic acid analysis for simultaneously performing qualitative analysis or quantitative analysis on genes from various kinds of plural biological samples and a method for detecting target a nucleic acid using the same. The apparatus for integrated real-time nucleic acid analysis and the method for detecting target a nucleic acid using the same according to the present invention, perform tests of various targets required from various samples throug a single step promptly and accurately, and thus, can be efficeintly used by hospitals or the like needing to rapidly diagnose diseases.