Microfluidic Pore Structure for Accurate Nucleic Acid Quantification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing nucleic acid detection methods, particularly those involving isothermal amplification, suffer from inaccuracies in quantitative measurement and require expensive equipment, especially when multiple target nucleic acids are analyzed simultaneously.

Innovation Solution

A microfluidic apparatus with a pore structure that includes a sample region, discharge region, connector, pore region with probe linkers, and electrode region, which amplifies and detects nucleic acids by measuring electrical signal changes due to pore clogging, utilizing probe linkers to bind and amplify target nucleic acids, and electrodes to measure clogging through electrical resistance or impedance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional nucleic acid amplification methods are used, then amplification can be achieved, but measurement accuracy is low and equipment cost is high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvequantitative measurement accuracyVSAvoidequipment cost and complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex thermal cycling equipment and sophisticated detection systems with a simple microfluidic device that uses isothermal amplification. The electrical signal detection method substitutes for expensive real-time PCR instrumentation, achieving accurate quantitative measurement through minimal equipment while maintaining high measurement precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the temperature parameter from variable (PCR thermal cycling) to constant (isothermal amplification at single temperature). This parameter change simplifies the equipment requirements and reduces device complexity while maintaining amplification efficiency and measurement accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If isothermal amplification is used to simplify equipment, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement accuracy remains insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveequipment simplicityVSAvoidquantitative measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary electrical signal detection system that measures changes in electrical properties during isothermal amplification. This intermediary measurement method enables accurate quantitative detection of nucleic acid amplification without requiring complex thermal cycling equipment, thus maintaining both device simplicity and measurement accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes changes in electrical signal properties (analogous to color changes in optical detection) during amplification to quantify nucleic acid concentration. This electrical signal change provides a simple yet accurate measurement method that works seamlessly with isothermal amplification, resolving the contradiction between equipment simplicity and measurement precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple target nucleic acids are analyzed simultaneously, then analysis capability is improved, but measurement accuracy decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemultiplex detection capabilityVSAvoiddetection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the detection process by using distinct electrical signal characteristics for different target nucleic acids. Each target produces a unique electrical signal pattern during isothermal amplification, allowing simultaneous multiplex detection while maintaining individual measurement accuracy through signal differentiation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal detection platform that can detect multiple target nucleic acids using the same isothermal amplification and electrical signal detection system. The system's multi-functionality allows simultaneous analysis of different targets without sacrificing accuracy, as each target is detected through its unique electrical signal signature

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12560575B2Microfluidic apparatus having pore structure for detecting nucleic acids

Publication Date: 2026.02.24 KOREA UNIV RES & BUSINESS FOUND

AI summary

The invention relates to a microfluidic apparatus for detecting nucleic acids that includes a body; a sample region provided on a first side of the body and into which a sample containing a target nucleic acid is injected; a discharge region provided on a second side of the body and spaced apart from the sample region and configured to discharge the sample; a connector that connects the sample region and the discharge region to each other to provide a flow path through which the sample flows; a pore region provided inside the connector, having at least one pore, and configured to induce clogging of the pore; and an electrode region determining whether the target nucleic acid is amplified, wherein probe linkers that bind to and amplify the target nucleic acid are provided in the pore region, and the electrode region measures a degree of clogging of the at least one pore.