Microfluidic Nucleic Acid Extraction Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional nucleic acid extraction methods are inefficient, labor-intensive, and unreliable, requiring multiple steps and skilled workers, while existing automated methods are cumbersome and inhibit enzyme reactions due to the use of chaotropic reagents.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic chip-based device with a heater, fluid control module, and heat control module for automated, ultra-miniaturized nucleic acid extraction, minimizing sample usage and enabling high-speed extraction without enzyme inhibition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If phenol-based extraction method is used, then nucleic acid can be purified, but the process requires multiple steps taking a lot of time and the efficiency is greatly influenced by worker's experience and skills
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations (manual mixing, filtering, centrifugation) with an automated microfluidic system that uses integrated channels, pumps, and heating elements to perform all extraction steps automatically, eliminating dependence on worker skill and reducing time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple extraction steps (lysis, binding, washing, elution) into a single integrated microfluidic chip where all operations occur in continuous flow through interconnected channels, reducing the number of separate operations and time required
2Quantity of substance
If silica or glass fiber based method is used, then nucleic acid can be acquired at high concentration, but chaotropic reagent or ethanol must be completely removed which is too onerous and takes too much time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for chaotropic reagents and ethanol by using a novel binding mechanism based on calcium ions and carboxyl-functionalized particles, allowing direct binding of nucleic acids without requiring complete removal of inhibitory substances
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the binding system by using calcium ion-mediated binding at physiological pH instead of chaotropic reagents, enabling nucleic acid binding without the need for subsequent removal steps
3Reliability
If filter-based direct purification method is used, then nucleic acid can be purified, but it is necessary to select the filter depending on the type of cells and the devices are too large and complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal microfluidic chip design with standardized filtration and binding zones that can process different cell types and biological specimens without requiring filter selection or device reconfiguration, achieving both simplicity and versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the extraction process into distinct functional zones within the microfluidic chip (lysis zone, filtration zone, binding zone, washing zone, elution zone), with each zone performing a specific function, simplifying the overall device design while maintaining effectiveness
4Reliability
If conventional extraction methods are used, then nucleic acid can be extracted, but the process is labor-intensive and requires skilled workers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual operations with an automated microfluidic system that performs all steps through integrated pumps, valves, and heating elements, eliminating the need for skilled manual manipulation while maintaining extraction quality
Solution Approach 2:
The microfluidic chip is designed to perform all extraction steps automatically once the sample is loaded, with fluid flow and temperature control managed by integrated systems, making the process self-sufficient and easy to operate
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 achieves automation, ultra-miniaturization, and high-speed nucleic acid extraction with improved efficiency and reliability across various biological specimens, reducing extraction time from hours to minutes while maintaining yield.
Implementation Method 1
a heater being arranged on the horizontal surface of the chip receiving portion and made to apply heat to a part of the whole bottom surface of the microfluidic chip for nucleic acid extraction
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
One embodiment of the present invention relates to a nucleic acid extraction device, which can realize automation, ultra-miniaturization and super-high speed in the nucleic acid extraction reaction, have no limitation to the biological specimens, such as sputum, blood, cells, urine, saliva, tissues, etc., minimize the used amount of the sample solution, and also maintain and/or improve the nucleic acid extraction efficiency with reliability.