Automated Magnetic Separation Device with Conduit Stripping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current nucleic acid test procedures require manual and inefficient methods for isolating and separating analytes from sample components, involving multiple steps of immobilization, aspiration, and re-suspension, which can lead to contamination and reduced throughput.
Innovation Solution
A compact, automated device with aspirator probes and a slide mechanism for conduit stripping, along with a magnet moving apparatus to selectively position magnets for magnetic separation, enabling efficient isolation and re-suspension of magnetically-responsive solid supports within a receptacle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual methods are used for isolating and separating analytes from sample components, then the process can be performed with simple equipment, but the throughput is reduced and contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple modular components including a receptacle carrier unit, magnet moving apparatus, and fluid transfer device with multiple aspirator tubes. Each component performs a specific function in the isolation and separation process, enabling automated high-throughput operation while maintaining manageable complexity through functional segmentation
Solution Approach 2:
The magnet moving apparatus can selectively position magnets for magnetic separation operations, while the fluid transfer device with multiple aspirator tubes can perform both aspiration and conduit stripping functions. The receptacle carrier unit supports both magnetic separation and fluid transfer operations, creating a multi-functional system that increases throughput without requiring separate dedicated equipment for each operation
2Loss of time
If multiple steps of immobilization, aspiration, and re-suspension are performed manually, then the procedure can be flexible and adaptable, but the process time increases and contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated device performs immobilization, aspiration, and re-suspension steps in continuous sequence without manual intervention between steps. The magnet moving apparatus continuously positions magnets for separation, while the fluid transfer device continuously performs aspiration and re-suspension operations, eliminating idle time and reducing contamination risk by minimizing exposure to the environment
Solution Approach 2:
The device is pre-configured with multiple aspirator tubes and conduit stripping elements in predetermined positions. The receptacle carrier unit is pre-positioned to receive receptacles, and the magnet moving apparatus is pre-programmed with separation parameters, allowing the entire multi-step process to execute automatically without real-time manual adjustments
3Reliability
If conduits are not stripped from aspirator probes, then the device structure remains simple, but contamination between samples increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conduit stripping elements are designed to selectively remove conduits from aspirator probe distal ends at specific positions. This extraction function is integrated into the device structure, allowing conduits to be removed automatically during the aspiration process, preventing contamination between samples while maintaining a relatively simple overall device architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The conduit stripping elements act as an intermediary mechanism between the aspirator probes and the sample processing environment. By positioning the stripping elements at specific locations in the device, conduits are automatically removed at appropriate times, serving as a mediator that prevents contamination without requiring complex manual intervention systems
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 device facilitates automated and efficient isolation and purification of analytes by minimizing contamination risks and increasing throughput through sequential conduit stripping and controlled magnetic separation.
Implementation Method 1
The magnetic separation station comprises one or more magnets and is constructed and arranged to perform a magnetic separation procedure on the contents of a receptacle transported from the receptacle holding station to the magnetic separation station by a receptacle transport by magnetically isolating an analyte immobilized on a magnetically-responsive solid support
Data Source
AI summary
A method for performing a magnetic separation procedure that includes transporting a receptacle containing a fluid medium to a first location of a system, where the fluid medium contains both a sample material and a suspension of magnetically-responsive solid supports. At the first location, the fluid medium is exposed to a first magnetic field for a first dwell period, thereby isolating the solid supports within the receptacle, where no portion of the fluid medium is removed from the receptacle at the first location. The receptacle is then transported from the first location to a second location of the system, where the fluid medium is exposed to a second magnetic field for a second dwell period. Following the second dwell period, at least a portion of the fluid medium is removed from the receptacle. A suspension fluid is then dispensed into the receptacle, and the contents of the receptacle are agitated to suspend the solid supports within the suspension fluid.