Microwave DNA Extraction for NGS Library Preparation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current DNA extraction methods for next-generation sequencing are time-consuming and costly, relying largely on physical or chemical methods such as bead beating, nitrogen decompression, sonication, or chemical extraction using detergents and enzymes, necessitating a more efficient approach.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the application of microwaves to a biological sample mixed with a buffer, followed by centrifugation and DNA recovery, which allows for the construction of libraries for next-generation sequencing by extracting and amplifying DNA using specific primers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If physical or chemical extraction methods (bead beating, nitrogen decompression, sonication, detergents, enzymes) are used for DNA extraction, then DNA can be extracted from biological samples, but the process takes a lot of time and money

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveDNA extraction effectivenessVSAvoidDNA extraction time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical extraction systems (bead beating, sonication, nitrogen decompression) with a simple microwave heating system. The microwave irradiation unit directly heats the biological sample in buffer solution to lyse cells and release DNA, eliminating the need for multiple mechanical processing steps while reducing extraction time from hours to minutes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state and temperature parameters by applying microwave radiation to heat the buffer solution to high temperatures (near boiling point). This thermal parameter change enables rapid cell lysis and DNA release without requiring mechanical force or chemical reagents, thus shortening the extraction time while maintaining DNA quality suitable for NGS.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If physical or chemical extraction methods are used for DNA extraction, then DNA can be extracted from biological samples, but the cost is high

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveDNA extraction effectivenessVSAvoidDNA extraction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive mechanical extraction equipment (bead beaters, sonicators, nitrogen decompression systems) and chemical reagents (detergents, enzymes, buffers) with an inexpensive microwave irradiation unit. This substitution dramatically reduces both equipment and consumable costs while maintaining effective DNA extraction for NGS library preparation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a simple disposable buffer solution that can be heated by microwave and then discarded after single use. This eliminates the need for expensive reusable mechanical extraction systems and complex chemical reagent systems, reducing overall extraction cost while maintaining reliability through the simplicity of the method.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Quantity of substance

If conventional DNA extraction methods are used, then DNA can be obtained, but the process is complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveDNA yieldVSAvoidExtraction process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the essential function needed for DNA extraction - cell lysis and DNA release - by using microwave heating. It removes all unnecessary complex steps including mechanical disruption, chemical lysis, multiple washing steps, and purification procedures, keeping only the critical heating and centrifugation steps while maintaining sufficient DNA yield for NGS.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the complex multi-step mechanical and chemical extraction process with a single microwave heating step followed by simple centrifugation. This substitution maintains DNA yield adequate for NGS library preparation while reducing process complexity from multiple sequential steps to just two simple operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 method significantly reduces the time and cost of DNA extraction while maintaining high DNA concentration and purity, enabling the construction of high-quality libraries for next-generation sequencing, thereby enhancing genetic analysis efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

applying microwaves to the mixture

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMicrowave heating: Dielectric Heating

Implementation Method 2

centrifuging the resulting mixture obtained in process (2)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCentrifugal separation: Centrifugal Separation

Data Source

PatentUS11781132B2DNA extraction method using microwave for next generation sequencing and use thereof

Publication Date: 2023.10.10 MACROGEN INC

AI summary

Disclosed are a method for DNA extraction in a sample for next generation sequencing (NGS) and a method of constructing a NGS library using the extracted DNA. The method for DNA extraction includes: preparing a mixture by mixing a biological sample with a buffer; applying microwaves to the mixture; and recovering DNA. The method of constructing a NGS library includes: extracting DNA according to the method for DNA extraction; amplifying a target DNA using primers; and purifying the amplified product and subjecting the purified product to library pooling.