Magnetic Isolation of Target Bound Substrate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for isolating DNA, RNA, and proteins from biological samples are time-consuming and inefficient, often resulting in sample loss and requiring multiple wash steps, while exclusion-based methods using immiscible fluids face challenges in scalability and friction-based losses.
Innovation Solution
A device and method utilizing a lower and upper plate with hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions, where a target bound to a solid phase substrate is attracted by a force, allowing for efficient isolation by moving the plates to separate the target from the sample, reducing friction-based losses and simplifying the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If exclusion-based methods using immiscible fluids are used to isolate target bound to solid phase substrate, then isolation speed is improved, but friction-based losses occur and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the target bound to solid phase substrate from the aqueous phase by applying a force that moves the solid phase substrate through the immiscible fluid interface into a collection chamber, separating it from the bulk aqueous sample
Solution Approach 2:
The immiscible fluid acts as an intermediary medium that enables the force application mechanism to transfer mechanical force to the solid phase substrate without direct contact, allowing efficient isolation while minimizing friction-based losses through fluid-mediated force transmission
2Reliability
If multiple wash steps are performed to remove contaminants, then purity is improved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the isolation process into distinct functional zones: an application chamber for force application, an immiscible fluid interface for separation, and a collection chamber for recovered target, enabling simultaneous purification and isolation in a single operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous isolation by maintaining the immiscible fluid interface and applying force continuously to move solid phase substrate through the interface, allowing multiple contaminants to be removed in a single continuous operation rather than requiring discrete wash steps
3Reliability
If dilution-based sample preparation is used to remove contaminants, then purity is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces dilution-based chemical purification with a mechanical force application system that physically moves solid phase substrate through the immiscible fluid interface, achieving purification through mechanical separation rather than dilution, thereby maintaining high concentration and improving throughput
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 rapid and efficient isolation of targeted fractions with reduced sample loss and simplified fabrication, improving the scalability and effectiveness of biological sample preparation.
Implementation Method 1
The target is bound to solid phase substrate to form target bound solid phase substrate. A force adjacent the upper plate attracts the target bound solid phase substrate toward the lower surface of the upper plate.
Data Source
AI summary
A device and a method for isolating a target from a biological sample are provided. The target is bound to solid phase substrate to form target bound solid phase substrate. The device includes a lower plate with an upper surface having a plurality of regions. The biological sample is receivable on a first of the regions. An upper plate has a lower surface directed to the upper surface of the lower plate. A force is positioned adjacent the upper plate and attracts the target bound solid phase substrate toward the lower surface of the upper plate. At least one of the upper plate and the lower plate is movable from a first position wherein the target bound solid phase substrate in the biological sample are drawn to the lower surface of the upper plate and a second position wherein the target bound solid phase substrate are isolated from the biological sample.