Linear Dispensing Head for Magnetic Particle Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current biological material treatment methods, such as DNA processing using magnetic particles, require multiple liquid storage containers and reagents, leading to increased complexity, space, and time inefficiencies, particularly when handling high-viscosity samples or multiple samples, and often result in reduced reaction reliability and efficiency due to manual handling and cross-contamination risks.
Innovation Solution
A linear movement type reaction treatment apparatus with a dispensing head and container group arranged in a linear configuration, featuring magnetic particles that can be adsorbed and resuspended within dispensing tips, and an ultrasonic vibration device for sample processing, allowing for efficient and automated handling of multiple samples while minimizing cross-contamination and reducing the number of containers and handling steps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple liquid storage portions and reagents are prepared in advance for each treatment step, then the treatment process can be completed, but the field of the dispensing tip is widened and the movement distance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The treatment process is segmented into modular steps where magnetic particles perform sequential operations (separation, adsorption, elution) within the same liquid storage portion. This eliminates the need for multiple separate liquid storage portions for each treatment step, thereby reducing the dispensing tip's movement distance while maintaining complete treatment functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Magnetic particles are designed to perform multiple functions (separation, adsorption, elution) within a single liquid storage portion. This multi-functionality allows the same liquid storage portion to be reused across multiple treatment steps, reducing the need for additional containers and minimizing the dispensing tip's travel distance.
2Reliability
If multiple liquid storage portions are prepared for each treatment step, then the treatment can proceed, but the working space of the dispensing tip increases
Solution Approach 1:
The treatment protocol is segmented into discrete magnetic particle operations (separation, adsorption, elution) that can be performed sequentially in the same liquid storage portion. This segmentation reduces the spatial footprint required for the dispensing tip while ensuring complete treatment through structured operational steps.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple treatment functions (separation, adsorption, elution) are merged into a single liquid storage portion through the use of magnetic particles. This consolidation reduces the total working space required for the dispensing tip while maintaining all necessary treatment capabilities within a compact configuration.
3Reliability
If a different dispensing tip is attached after pre-treatment, then the treatment can continue, but treatment time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Magnetic particles are prepared and loaded into the dispensing tip in advance during a loading phase. This preliminary action ensures that the dispensing tip is pre-loaded with functional magnetic particles before the actual treatment begins, eliminating the need for tip attachment changes during treatment and reducing overall treatment time while maintaining treatment continuity.
4Reliability
If manual handling and multiple devices are used for amplification and optical measurement, then the treatment can be performed, but the working area is widened
Solution Approach 1:
The amplification and optical measurement functions are merged into a single integrated device. This consolidation allows both functions to be performed in the same working space, reducing the overall working area required while maintaining the reliability and performance of both amplification and optical measurement through integrated design.
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 apparatus significantly reduces the complexity and time required for reaction treatments, enhances reaction reliability, and prevents cross-contamination by automating the handling of multiple samples within a compact setup, improving both spatial and temporal efficiency while maintaining high treatment precision.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic field is applied to magnetic particles so as to separate and adsorb the magnetic particles to an inner wall of a dispensing tip
Implementation Method 2
a magnetic field is applied to magnetic particles so as to separate and adsorb the magnetic particles to an inner wall of a dispensing tip, and a remaining solution is ejected to each liquid storage portion, and the dispensing tip is moved to the next liquid storage portion while the magnetic particles are adsorbed to the inner wall
Implementation Method 3
an ultrasonic vibration device which applies an ultrasonic vibration to a sample storage portion
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a linear movement type reaction treatment apparatus and a method thereof, and an object thereof is to reliably prevent cross-contamination and to decrease a working time or a working space involved with reaction treatment. A linear movement type reaction treatment apparatus includes: a container group in which one or two or more reaction containers and two or more liquid storage portions are arranged in at least one linear shape; a dispensing head to which one or two or more dispensing tips suctioning and ejecting a liquid through a front end insertable into the reaction containers and the liquid storage portions are detachably attached and which is relatively movable between the dispensing tip and the container group in a linear arrangement direction; a magnetic portion which is provided in the dispensing head and is capable of separating magnetic particles contained in a solution inside each dispensing tip by applying a magnetic field into each dispensing tip so that the magnetic particles are adsorbed to an inner wall of the dispensing tip and of separating the adsorbed magnetic particles by removing the magnetic field therefrom so that the magnetic particles are resuspended in the solution ; and an ultrasonic vibration device which applies an ultrasonic vibration to a sample storage portion, as sample storage portion at least one of the liquid storage portions are selected.