Microfluidic DNA Analyzer with Acousto-Optic Tunable Filter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current DNA analysis methods are complex, require substantial expertise, and involve significant reagent volumes, leading to lengthy analysis times and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A DNA analyzer system incorporating a microfluidic chip with integrated domains for PCR amplification and electrophoretic separation, coupled with a detection module using fluorescent labels and an acousto-optic tunable filter for multicolor fluorescence detection, enabling rapid, automated DNA analysis on a single chip with reduced reagent volumes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional DNA analysis methods are used, then comprehensive DNA analysis can be performed, but the analysis process becomes complex and requires substantial expertise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple DNA analysis functions (PCR amplification, electrophoretic separation, and fluorescence detection) into a single integrated microfluidic chip system. This merging of functions reduces operational complexity by providing a unified platform that requires less expertise to operate compared to separate traditional instruments, while maintaining comprehensive analytical capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The microfluidic chip is designed as a universal platform that can perform multiple DNA analysis operations including amplification, separation, and detection of multiple fluorescently labeled DNA fragments simultaneously. This multi-functionality allows a single device to replace multiple specialized instruments, improving ease of operation without sacrificing analytical comprehensiveness.
2Quantity of substance
If traditional DNA analysis methods are used, then accurate DNA fragment separation can be achieved, but reagent volumes are significant and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs microfluidic hydraulic principles to control and direct minute volumes of reagents through integrated channels on the chip. The electrophoretic separation domain uses controlled electric fields and fluid flow to precisely manipulate DNA fragments with minimal reagent consumption, achieving both reduced reagent volumes and maintained separation precision through optimized fluid dynamics at the micro-scale.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the scale parameter from macro-scale traditional methods to micro-scale operations, enabling precise control of reagent volumes in the nanoliter to picoliter range. This parameter change allows the system to maintain accurate DNA fragment separation while dramatically reducing the quantity of reagents required compared to conventional methods.
3Productivity
If traditional DNA analysis methods are used, then complete DNA analysis can be performed, but analysis time becomes lengthy
Solution Approach 1:
The microfluidic chip enables continuous operation where PCR amplification, electrophoretic separation, and fluorescence detection occur in an uninterrupted sequential flow. DNA fragments are amplified, then immediately separated and detected without intermediate handling or transfer steps, maintaining continuous useful action throughout the analysis process. This eliminates idle time and operational delays, significantly improving productivity while reducing total analysis time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary preparation of DNA samples within the microfluidic chip itself, including amplification and labeling, before separation and detection. By completing preparatory actions within the integrated system rather than in separate pre-processing steps, the overall analysis time is reduced while maintaining complete analytical capability.
4Measurement precision
If multiple fluorescent labels are used for DNA fragment identification, then precise DNA analysis is achieved, but detection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an acousto-optic tunable filter as an intermediary component in the detection system. This filter acts as a wavelength-selective gate that can be electronically tuned to transmit only the fluorescence wavelength of interest while blocking other wavelengths. This intermediary enables precise detection of multiple fluorescently labeled DNA fragments by sequentially selecting different wavelengths, achieving high measurement precision without requiring physically complex multi-channel detection systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system employs dynamic wavelength selection through the acousto-optic filter, which can be rapidly tuned between different wavelengths in response to the fluorescent labels being detected. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to precisely distinguish between multiple fluorescent labels with different emission wavelengths, maintaining high measurement precision while avoiding the static complexity of having separate detection paths for each wavelength.
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 fast, user-friendly DNA analysis with reduced reagent consumption and time, achieving precise DNA fragment separation and identification, suitable for forensic and medical applications.
Implementation Method 1
The detection module optically coupled with the microfluidic chip to excite the fluorescent labels to emit fluorescence
Implementation Method 2
The filter module filters the optical signal to allow a first portion of the optical signal having a first wavelength to pass
Implementation Method 3
the photo-detector generates an electrical detection signal in response to the filtered optical signal
Implementation Method 4
a separation channel for electrophoretic separation of the DNA fragments
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure provides a DNA analyzer to facilitate an integrated single-chip DNA analysis. The DNA analyzer includes an interface for coupling a microfluidic chip to the DNA analyzer. The microfluidic chip includes a first domain configured for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of DNA fragments, and a second domain fluidically coupled to the first domain to receive the DNA fragments and perform electrophoretic separation of the DNA fragments. The DNA fragments are tagged with fluorescent labels. The DNA analyzer includes a detection module to excite the fluorescent labels to emit fluorescence and detect the emitted fluorescence. The detection module includes a laser source, a set of optical elements, a filter module and a photo-detector.