Isothermal Biochemical Analysis System Thermal Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal cycling devices for biochemical reactions are expensive, large, and not suitable for portable or handheld formats due to the need for precise temperature control over a wide range, which limits their commercial acceptance and usability for isothermal processes.
Innovation Solution
A system with a receiver having receptacles for sample holders, an excitation subsystem for electromagnetic energy, a detection subsystem, and a thermal control subsystem that maintains a constant temperature, allowing for isothermal reactions and analysis, with a large thermal mass and modular excitation sources to enhance efficiency and portability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If thermal cycling devices are used to perform biochemical reactions with strict temperature control over a wide range, then reaction reliability is improved, but device cost increases and portability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature control parameter from wide-range cycling to constant isothermal temperature. By maintaining a single constant temperature rather than cycling through multiple temperatures, the system achieves reliable biochemical reactions without requiring complex thermal cycling mechanisms, thereby reducing device cost and size while maintaining reaction reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the thermal cycling functionality from the device, retaining only the essential isothermal temperature maintenance capability. This extraction eliminates the need for complex heating and cooling cycles, reducing device complexity and enabling portable designs while maintaining sufficient temperature control for biochemical reactions
2Productivity
If thermal cycling devices rapidly adjust between reaction temperatures to increase throughput, then productivity is improved, but device cost and size increase due to strict temperature control requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter from dynamic cycling to static isothermal maintenance. By maintaining a constant temperature throughout the reaction process, the system eliminates the need for rapid temperature adjustments and complex thermal control mechanisms, thereby achieving high productivity through simplified device architecture and reduced operational complexity
3Measurement precision
If conventional analytic devices with laser or monochromator based excitation systems are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device cost and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, complex laser or monochromator-based excitation systems with simpler, more economical light sources. By using alternative excitation mechanisms that are less costly and compact, the system maintains sufficient measurement precision for biochemical analysis while dramatically reducing device cost and size, making the technology more accessible for portable applications
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 system enables low-cost, high-speed, portable isothermal biochemical reactions and analysis, capable of operating with existing sample holders, and allows for real-time data collection and simultaneous detection of fluorescence in multiple wells, increasing throughput and reducing the need for multiple sample holders.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal control subsystem operable to at least approximately maintain a temperature of the receiver at least approximately constant for a period of time sufficient to perform an isothermal reaction on the samples
Implementation Method 2
an excitation subsystem including at least a first plurality of excitation sources positioned at least partially in the receiver to direct electromagnetic energy toward at least a portion of a respective one of the sample holders received in a respective one of the receptacles
Implementation Method 3
a detection subsystem that includes a plurality of detectors, each of the detectors positioned to detect emission of electromagnetic energy from a respective sample contained in a respective one of the sample holders
Data Source
AI summary
An isothermal reaction and analysis system may include a receiver to receive sample holders, a thermal control subsystem to control a temperature of the receiver, an excitation subsystem, a detection subsystem and an analysis subsystem. Excitation sources and/or detectors are positioned to enhance data collection. Sample holders may include filters, selectively blocking and passing wavelengths or bands of electromagnetic radiation.