Magnetic Extraction Pipette Tip for Nucleic Acid Separation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated devices for nucleic acid extraction are limited by their size, versatility, complex liquid handling systems, and inefficiencies in mixing and washing operations, which restrict their ability to handle varying liquid volumes and contamination risks.
Innovation Solution
A method using a pipette tip with adjustable magnetic fields and cycles of aspiration and discharge to capture and wash magnetic particles, allowing for flexible liquid volumes and efficient mixing and washing without complex mechanisms, and a compact pipette holder for semi-automated operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If automated devices are designed for single-type extraction, then extraction effectiveness is improved, but versatility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed with a single modular platform that can perform multiple extraction types (nucleic acid purification, magnetic immunoconcentration, protein extraction) by simply changing the magnetic particles and extraction protocols, eliminating the need for separate specialized devices while maintaining extraction effectiveness
2Reliability
If numerous liquids are used during extraction, then extraction completeness is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple liquid handling functions (aspiration, dispensing, mixing, washing) are merged into a single integrated magnetic particle extraction system that uses one or more magnets to manipulate magnetic particles through a single tube, eliminating the need for separate complex injection and suction circuits for each liquid
3Stability of the object's composition
If complex mixing mechanisms are used, then homogeneity is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Complex mechanical mixing mechanisms are replaced by magnetic field-based mixing where magnets manipulate magnetic particles to achieve homogeneous distribution of analytes with the particles, simplifying the device while maintaining mixing effectiveness
4Device complexity
If fixed volume containers are used, then device simplicity is improved, but extraction efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from fixed-volume containers to a dynamic liquid handling approach where volumes of sample, washing solutions, and elution buffers can be independently optimized and adjusted based on specific extraction requirements, with liquids being aspirated and dispensed as needed through the magnetic particle manipulation system
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
Enables efficient extraction of nucleic acids and other biological components with optimized liquid volumes, reduced contamination risks, and increased versatility in processing operations, improving the overall efficiency and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
by applying a first magnetic field to the pipette cone, said field being capable of attracting and maintaining the magnetic particles in a predetermined area of the pipette cone
Implementation Method 2
a migration phase of magnetic particles on the inner wall of the cone, from the capture zone to the tip of the pipette cone, by achieving a relative displacement of the pipette cone with respect to the first magnetic field
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A system for extracting analytes from a biological sample comprises: - an electronic pipette (12) having pipette cones with a tip (21); - a well holder (18a, 18b); - a pipette holder (14) comprising: ∘ a base (34) adapted to removably house each well holder; ∘ a pipette holder (36) into which the pipette (12) is inserted, and movable relative to the base (34) between a first position in which the tips (21) of the cones are housed in a well (62, 69) of the holder (18a, 18b) and at least a second position in which the tips (21) are outside said wells (62, 69); ∘ a housing (78) opposite the pipette cones (20) above their tips when the pipette holder (36) is in the first position, and opposite the tips (21) of the pipette cones (21) when the pipette holder is in the second position; and - a magnetic piece (16) removably housed in the housing (78).