Lyophilized Reagent Container for PCR Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current diagnostic devices face challenges in efficiently storing and using PCR reagents due to the instability of liquid reagents and the need for more effective methods for amplifying nucleic acids, particularly in miniaturized and automated systems.
Innovation Solution
A reagent container design with separate wells for nucleotides/nucleic acids and reaction buffers, connected by a groove or channel, allowing for efficient amplification and storage of PCR reagents, and a microfluidic system for conducting cell binding, lysis, and nucleic acid extraction in a single device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If liquid reagents are used in diagnostic devices, then the reagents can be easily stored and transported, but the reagents exhibit decreased stability and reliability over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the reagent from liquid to solid (lyophilized) form. This parameter change fundamentally alters the stability characteristics, transforming the reagent from unstable liquid to stable solid that can be stored at room temperature without degradation, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of storage and reagent stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transition by presenting the reagent in a lyophilized (freeze-dried) solid state rather than liquid state. This phase transition enables the reagent to maintain structural integrity and chemical stability over extended periods while still allowing for easy reconstitution when needed, thus solving the storage stability issue.
2Reliability
If solid reagents are used in diagnostic devices, then the reagents have higher shelf life and improved stability, but the volume of reagent required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the reagent container into multiple compartments: a first compartment for lyophilized reagent and a second compartment for liquid reagent. This segmentation allows the system to utilize both forms of reagent, maintaining stability while reducing overall volume by storing only the necessary amount of liquid reagent separately.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a liquid permeable membrane as an intermediary between the lyophilized reagent compartment and the liquid reagent compartment. This membrane allows controlled interaction between the two reagent forms, enabling the liquid reagent to dissolve the lyophilized reagent when needed while maintaining their separate storage benefits.
3Volume of stationary object
If multiple reagents are stored separately in the same container, then the container size is reduced, but the reagents may interact and degrade each other
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the container into spatially separated compartments using partitions and membranes. The first compartment stores lyophilized reagent while the second compartment stores liquid reagent, physically separating them to prevent unwanted interactions while maintaining compact overall container size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a liquid permeable membrane as a thin film barrier between the two reagent compartments. This membrane allows selective interaction (such as dissolving lyophilized reagent) while preventing harmful interactions between incompatible reagents, thus maintaining reagent reliability in a compact configuration.
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 solution provides stable and efficient nucleic acid amplification, maintaining reagent stability and activity over time, enabling accurate and compact diagnostic processes.
Implementation Method 1
a reagent container comprising a first well and a second well, wherein the first well contains a first reagent comprising a nucleotide, a nucleic acid component, an enzyme, or a combination thereof without a reaction buffer; and the second well contains a second reagent comprising a reaction buffer for amplifying a nucleic acid
Implementation Method 2
a connection part connecting the first and second wells, wherein the connection part is a groove, channel, partition, or film
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a reagent container that can maintain stability of a reagent for a long period of time, a method of preparing the reagent container, a method of storing the reagent, and microfluidic systems for conducting cell binding, lysis, nucleic acid extraction, and amplification.