Magnetic Bead Extraction Kit with Shielded Cover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic nucleic acid extraction processes face challenges in completely removing residual solutions and magnetic beads, leading to contamination risks and interference with subsequent enzymatic reactions, particularly due to the use of chaotropic agents and surfactants, and there is a high risk of cross-contamination between samples.
Innovation Solution
A kit for nucleic acid extraction using silica-coated magnetic beads with a magnetic body accommodation portion that separates the magnetic beads from the reaction container, featuring a cover that shields the reaction container to prevent aerosol scattering and contamination, and a mechanism for efficient magnetic bead handling and transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a liquid suction line connected to a pump is used to remove residual solution, then the removing efficiency is increased, but magnetic beads may be removed along with the solution, and residual chemicals may remain in the reaction container
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the removal process into two distinct stages: first removing residual solution using a liquid suction line, then removing magnetic beads using a magnetic field. This segmentation allows each component to be removed by its specific property without interference, solving the problem of incomplete removal and magnetic bead loss
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary mechanism to selectively remove magnetic beads after solution removal. This intermediary approach enables precise separation based on magnetic properties, preventing co-removal of magnetic beads with the solution while ensuring complete removal of both components
2Productivity
If strong magnetic force is applied to capture magnetic beads, then the capturing efficiency is improved, but magnetic beads may be difficult to remove from the reaction container in subsequent steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic control of magnetic field strength, applying strong magnetic force during the capturing stage and then reducing or removing the magnetic field for subsequent removal operations. This dynamic adjustment enables efficient capture followed by easy removal, resolving the contradiction between capturing efficiency and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic application of magnetic field during different process stages: strong magnetic field for capture, then field removal or reversal for bead release. This periodic action pattern allows the magnetic beads to be firmly captured when needed and easily removed when needed, solving the operational contradiction
3Ease of operation
If the reaction container is opened for magnetic bead handling, then the handling operation is simplified, but cross-contamination between samples occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical opening of the reaction container with a magnetic field-based bead handling system. Magnetic beads are captured and transferred through the container wall using magnetic fields, eliminating the need to open the container and thus preventing cross-contamination while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary mechanism to transfer magnetic beads between containers without direct mechanical contact or opening of containers. This intermediary approach enables safe bead handling and transfer while maintaining container integrity and preventing cross-contamination
4Device complexity
If residual solution is not completely removed, then the extraction process is simplified, but chemical interference with subsequent enzymatic reactions occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the removal process into solution removal and bead removal stages, ensuring complete removal of residual chemicals before enzymatic reactions. This segmentation allows thorough cleaning without complicating the overall process, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and reaction integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable reaction containers that are discarded after a single use, eliminating the need for complete chemical removal. This approach ensures no residual chemicals interfere with subsequent reactions while maintaining process simplicity, as each container is fresh and uncontaminated
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 effectively reduces the risk of sample contamination and improves the efficiency of nucleic acid extraction by preventing residual solution carryover and ensuring complete removal of magnetic beads, thereby enhancing the purity and integrity of extracted nucleic acids for downstream applications.
Implementation Method 1
magnetic beads coated at the surface with silica (magnetic silica particles) are added to the solution and mixed thereby allowing nucleic acids to adsorb onto the particle surface
Implementation Method 2
a magnet is brought closer from the outside of a reaction container, and a solution containing unnecessary substances such as proteins is removed by using a pump or the like while capturing the magnetic beads in the reaction container
Data Source
AI summary
A nucleic acid extractor reducing the possibility of cross contamination and a gene analysis apparatus having a nucleic acid amplification function and a detection function are provided. The nucleic acid extractor has a kit for nucleic acid extraction using silica-coated magnetic beads under the presence of a chaotropic agent, and includes a magnet cover 52 accommodating a magnet 42 in the inside and separating the magnet 42 and a reaction container 2, a wall part 53 covering the outside of the reaction container 2 in a state of accommodating at least a portion of the magnet cover 52 in the reaction container, and a upper portion 54 covering a space above the reaction container 2 in a state of accommodating at least a portion of the magnet cover 52 in the reaction container. Scattering of liquid and aerosol can be prevented and the possibility of cross contamination can be reduced.