Integrated Magnetic Detection and Isothermal Nucleic Acid Amplification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing isothermal amplification methods for nucleic acids, such as RPA and LAMP, require external temperature control equipment and additional detection systems, making them time-consuming and costly, especially for quantitative analysis in field tests, and lack suitable methods for measuring nucleic acid replication and detecting amplification products in turbid samples.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and method for combined amplification and detection using a single device that includes an excitation assembly for magnetic fields, a detection assembly for magnetic nanoparticles, and a thermal controller to regulate temperature, enabling simultaneous or sequential amplification and detection of DNA or RNA sequences.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If external temperature control equipment is used for isothermal amplification, then amplification can be performed, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveamplification performanceVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the temperature control function and detection function into a single integrated apparatus. The excitation assembly that generates magnetic fields for detecting magnetic nanoparticles also serves as the heat source for isothermal amplification through resistive heating, eliminating the need for separate external temperature control equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The excitation assembly performs multiple functions: it generates magnetic fields for detecting magnetic nanoparticles attached to amplification products and simultaneously provides resistive heating for maintaining isothermal amplification conditions. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity while maintaining amplification reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If additional detection systems are used for quantitative analysis, then detection accuracy improves, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the amplification process and detection process into a single integrated system. Magnetic nanoparticles are attached to amplification products during or after amplification, and the same excitation assembly detects these nanoparticles while the excitation assembly also provides heating for amplification, enabling quantitative analysis without additional complex detection systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex optical detection systems with a simpler magnetic detection system using magnetic nanoparticles. The excitation assembly generates magnetic fields that interact with the magnetic nanoparticles, providing quantitative detection information through magnetic signal measurement rather than requiring complex optical readout equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If optical readout techniques are used for detection, then amplification products can be analyzed, but the method is time-consuming and costly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidanalysis time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces time-consuming optical readout techniques with rapid magnetic field-based detection. Magnetic nanoparticles attached to amplification products can be detected quickly by the excitation assembly through magnetic field interactions, eliminating the need for complex optical scanning and analysis procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Measurement precision

If qPCR analysis is used for quantitative detection, then replication can be examined in real-time, but specialized equipment and laboratories are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequantitative detection capabilityVSAvoidequipment requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex qPCR optical detection systems with a simpler magnetic field-based detection system. By attaching magnetic nanoparticles to amplification products and detecting them through magnetic field interactions using the excitation assembly, the system achieves quantitative detection capabilities without requiring specialized qPCR laboratories or expensive optical detection equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical 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

Facilitates portable, efficient, and cost-effective amplification and detection of nucleic acids without external thermoregulators, allowing on-site analysis and reducing the need for specialized laboratories.

Implementation Method 1

at least one excitation assembly configured to provide, on the basis of one or more electrical signals, at least one excitation magnetic field for the solution; at least one detection assembly configured to receive and/or detect a response magnetic field from at least one or more, in particular magnetic, nanoparticles (MNP) added to the solution

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

at least one, in particular thermal, controller configured to control, in particular modify, the one or more electrical signals to adjust and/or regulate a temperature for, in particular isothermal, amplification of the one or more substances

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResistive heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentEP4591983A1Apparatus and method for combined amplification and detection of a solution
Publication Date: 2025.07.30 FRAUNHOFER GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FORDERUNG DER ANGEWANDTEN FORSCHUNG EV
  • EP4591983A1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP4591983A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4591983A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention provides an apparatus for combined amplification and detection of a solution including one or more substances, such as DNA- or RNA-sequences, comprising: at least one excitation assembly configured to provide, on the basis of one or more electrical signals, at least one excitation magnetic field for the solution; at least one detection assembly configured to receive and/or detect at least a response magnetic field from at least one or more, in particular magnetic, nanoparticles (MNP) added to the solution; and at least one, in particular thermal, controller configured to control, in particular modify, the one or more electrical signals to adjust and/or regulate a temperature for, in particular isothermal, amplification of the one or more substances. Also, a method for combined amplification and detection of a solution including one or more substances, such as DNA- or RNA-sequences, using a single respective apparatus, is provided.