Integrated Sample Processing System with Magnetic Vortexing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current molecular testing methods face bottlenecks in sample preparation, particularly with difficult sample matrices like raw sputum and difficult-to-disrupt organisms such as Mycobacterium species, due to inefficiencies in homogenization, lysis, and nucleic acid purification, leading to time-consuming and labor-intensive processes.
Innovation Solution
An integrated sample processing system utilizing magnetically-induced vortexing in combination with solid monolith filters, which includes a cylindrical magnet, magnetic stirrers, and beads to homogenize and lyse samples, followed by automated pipetting and filtration for nucleic acid purification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional sample preparation methods are used for difficult samples like raw sputum and Mycobacterium species, then the process is simple to operate, but the productivity is low and processing time is long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sample processing functions (homogenization, lysis, and nucleic acid purification) into a single integrated system. The magnetically-induced vortexing mechanism integrates mechanical disruption with magnetic field application, while the solid monolith filter integrates filtration and nucleic acid capture in one component, eliminating the need for separate processing steps and instruments
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated system is designed to handle multiple sample types and processing requirements through a single platform. The magnetic stirrer and vortexing mechanism can process various difficult-to-disrupt organisms and sample matrices, while the solid monolith filter universally captures nucleic acids from different sources, making the system applicable to diverse diagnostic applications
2Loss of time
If traditional manual sample preparation is used, then the device complexity is low, but the loss of time is high due to manual handling and multiple steps
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs sample processing autonomously through magnetically-induced vortexing that automatically homogenizes and lyses samples without manual intervention. The magnetic field application and bead-mediated disruption occur automatically, and the solid monolith filter automatically captures and concentrates nucleic acids, eliminating time-consuming manual handling steps
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical processing with magnetically-induced vortexing. Instead of manual vortexing or mechanical homogenization, a magnetic field applied to magnetic beads induces automatic mixing and disruption. This substitution eliminates manual labor and reduces processing time while maintaining effective sample homogenization and cell lysis
3Measurement precision
If conventional filtration methods are used for nucleic acid purification, then the manufacturing precision is adequate, but the measurement precision of nucleic acid detection is reduced due to incomplete purification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a solid monolith filter with controlled porosity to capture and concentrate nucleic acids. The porous structure allows selective passage of nucleic acids while retaining cellular debris and contaminants, achieving complete purification without requiring complex multi-stage filtration systems
Solution Approach 2:
The solid monolith filter is a composite material combining filtration functionality with nucleic acid capture capabilities. The monolithic structure integrates the filtration matrix and support structure in one component, providing both mechanical strength and effective nucleic acid separation, thereby achieving high detection sensitivity without additional complex components
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 system significantly enhances the efficiency of nucleic acid purification from challenging samples, reducing processing time and improving detection sensitivity, making it suitable for clinical and diagnostic applications.
Implementation Method 1
magnetically-induced vortexing in combination with solid monolith filters
Implementation Method 2
cylindrical magnet... rotatably driven about a central, longitudinal axis
Implementation Method 3
magnetic stirrers, and beads to homogenize and lyse samples
Implementation Method 4
solid monolith filters... automated pipetting and filtration for nucleic acid purification
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated sample purification system includes a housing, a sample container rack, a filter holder, and a cylindrical magnet. The sample container rack and the filter device holder are disposed in the housing. The sample container rack is configured to hold one or more sample containers, the filter device holder is configured to hold one or more filter devices. The cylindrical magnet is adjacent to and external to the sample container rack, and is rotated about a central, longitudinal axis of the magnet by an electric motor disposed in the housing to lyse cells. Molecules of interest in the lysed cells are purified using filters that bind specifically to the molecules of interest. The system is readily amenable to automation and rapid purification and analysis of molecules of interest, such as nucleic acids and proteins.