Liquid Handling Means for Assays via Dynamic Layer Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid handling systems for biochemical assays, such as those used in next-generation DNA sequencing (NGS), face limitations in throughput due to slow flushing steps and data acquisition times, necessitating improved liquid handling techniques.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus and method involve a liquid manipulation system with a liquid contacting portion, such as a plate-like element, that can dynamically regulate the thickness and composition of the liquid layer on a rotating sample holder, allowing for rapid addition, removal, and redistribution of liquids to optimize assay conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional liquid handling systems are used for flushing samples in NGS assays, then the assay can be performed, but the throughput is limited by slow flushing steps and data acquisition times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the liquid layer thickness adjustable and variable. The liquid contacting portion can dynamically change the thickness of the liquid layer on the sample holder surface, allowing the system to optimize liquid handling speed while maintaining adequate reaction conditions. This dynamic adjustment enables faster flushing without compromising assay quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of liquid layer thickness to resolve the contradiction. By controlling the thickness of the liquid layer through the liquid contacting portion, the system can reduce the volume of liquid needed for flushing, thereby decreasing the time required for flushing steps and increasing overall throughput.
2Reliability
If the liquid layer thickness is increased to improve reaction conditions, then the chemical composition control is enhanced, but the liquid handling time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid contacting portion enables dynamic control of liquid layer thickness, allowing the system to adjust the thickness according to the specific requirements of each liquid handling step. This dynamic capability permits thin layers during flushing to reduce time, and thicker layers during reaction steps to improve composition control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system can pre-establish the optimal liquid layer thickness before each assay step through the liquid contacting portion, ensuring that the liquid layer is already in the desired state when the step begins. This preliminary configuration eliminates the need for time-consuming adjustments during the assay.
3Productivity
If rapid liquid addition and removal is performed to increase throughput, then the assay speed is improved, but the control precision over liquid composition and properties deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid contacting portion provides a feedback mechanism for liquid layer thickness control. By monitoring and adjusting the thickness in real-time during rapid liquid handling operations, the system maintains precise control over liquid composition and properties even at high speeds, ensuring assay reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses parameter changes in liquid layer thickness to maintain control precision during rapid operations. By dynamically adjusting the thickness parameter, the system can rapidly add and remove liquid while still achieving the desired composition control, resolving the contradiction between speed and precision.
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 approach enables faster and more precise control over the chemical composition, temperature, and pH of the liquid layer, significantly reducing the time required for liquid handling steps and enhancing the throughput of biochemical assays.
Implementation Method 1
The liquid layer may have a uniform thickness over at least one circumference on the cylindrical sample holder. During rotation of the sample holder, a uniform liquid layer can be formed on the sample holder.
Implementation Method 2
a liquid contacting portion... adapted to contact a surface of said liquid layer
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an apparatus for conducting assays on samples and/or processing of samples. The apparatus comprises a rotatably arranged cylindrical sample holder for holding a sample at a lateral surface of the cylindrical sample holder. The cylindrical sample holder is configured to be at least partly covered by a liquid layer. The apparatus further comprises a liquid dispensing means configured to add liquid to the liquid layer, a reagent dispensing means configured to add a reagent to the liquid layer and a liquid contacting means configured to distribute liquid within said liquid layer. The liquid contacting means comprises a plate-like element flexibly assembled in relation to the cylindrical sample holder. The present invention also relates to a method for conducting assays on samples and/or processing of samples.