Isothermal Nucleic Acid Detection Device Multiplexing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional nucleic acid detection devices, such as PCR-based tests, require laboratory processing and are often costly, error-prone, and limited to detecting single infectious agents, making them inefficient for rapid and simultaneous detection of multiple infections.
Innovation Solution
A diagnostic device featuring a sample chamber, multiple reaction chambers for loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) tests, a heating element, and probes communicating with a data processor to compare test data from sample and control chambers, enabling the detection of multiple nucleic acid sequences in a single test.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional PCR-based tests are used for nucleic acid detection, then detection accuracy is maintained, but processing time increases significantly (up to several days) and requires laboratory-based processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical and procedural system of conventional PCR laboratory processing with a simplified isothermal amplification system using recombinase polymerase enzymes that function at constant temperature, eliminating the need for thermal cyclers and complex laboratory infrastructure while maintaining detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the temperature parameter from variable (PCR requires cyclic heating and cooling) to constant (isothermal amplification at 37°C or 42°C), enabling rapid nucleic acid amplification without complex thermal control systems and reducing processing time from days to minutes
2Measurement precision
If conventional diagnostic devices are used, then single infection detection is achieved, but the ability to detect multiple infectious agents simultaneously is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal diagnostic platform using recombinase polymerase amplification that can detect multiple different infectious agents simultaneously through multiplexing, where a single device and reaction system can identify various viruses and bacteria by incorporating multiple probe sets for different pathogens
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the detection process into separate probe-specific reactions within the same amplification system, allowing individual probes targeting different pathogens to be incorporated into a single multiplex assay, enabling simultaneous detection of multiple infectious agents
3Measurement precision
If conventional laboratory-based PCR tests are implemented, then accurate detection is achieved, but operational complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex laboratory equipment (thermal cyclers, centrifuges, pipetting systems) with a simple isothermal amplification reaction using recombinase polymerase enzymes that proceed at constant temperature, making the test operable with minimal equipment and training
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the recombinase polymerase amplification system to be self-contained and self-regulating, where the enzymes automatically catalyze nucleic acid amplification at physiological temperature without requiring external temperature control, complex reagent addition steps, or sophisticated operational procedures
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 allows for rapid, accurate, and cost-effective detection of multiple infectious agents in a sample, providing results quickly and reducing the need for laboratory processing, thereby aiding in timely treatment and disease containment.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element in thermal communication with the plurality of reaction chambers
Data Source
AI summary
The teachings generally provide for a diagnostic device, including a sample chamber configured to receive a sample from a patient, a plurality of reaction chambers, a heating element in thermal communication with the plurality of reaction chambers, a plurality of probes extending from each of the reaction chambers to a data processor. The reaction chambers are configured to facilitate a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) test. The plurality of reaction chambers include a sample reaction chamber and a control chamber, the sample reaction chamber configured to receive the sample and the control chamber is configured to be isolated from the sample. The plurality of probes communicates with the data processor to provide test data from the sample reaction chamber and the control reaction chamber so that the data processor generates test results based on a comparison of the test data from the sample reaction chamber and the control reaction chamber.