Modular Nucleic Acid Analyzer for Contamination-Free High Throughput
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current nucleic acid extraction and analysis methods are hindered by the need for specialized, expensive equipment, leading to delays, sample loss, and contamination risks, and lack of high-throughput capabilities, especially for point-of-care applications.
Innovation Solution
An automated instrument with modules for sample receiving, lysing, extraction, amplification, and detection, utilizing magnetic bead methods, isothermal amplification, and fluorescence analysis, enabling flexible throughput and multiple analyses on a single sample.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If specialized equipment is used for nucleic acid extraction and detection, then detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument is divided into functionally independent modules: sample receiving module, lysing module, nucleic acid extraction module, amplification module, and detection module. Each module performs a specific function and can operate independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high detection accuracy through specialized processing at each stage.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument integrates multiple functions (extraction, amplification, detection) into a single automated system that can handle various sample types and detection requirements. The modular design allows the same platform to perform different nucleic acid tests, reducing the need for multiple specialized devices.
2Productivity
If batch processing is used to accumulate samples, then equipment utilization is improved, but processing time and diagnostic uncertainty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument enables continuous automated processing of nucleic acid samples through integrated modules that operate in sequence without manual intervention. Samples can be processed individually or in batches, eliminating waiting time while maintaining high equipment utilization through automated sample-to-answer workflows.
3Device complexity
If manual sample handling is used, then device complexity is reduced, but contamination risk and sample loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument performs automated sample handling, reagent dispensing, and result detection without manual intervention. The closed-system design minimizes exposure to external contamination, while automated protocols ensure consistent processing and reduce human error, improving reliability without requiring complex additional safeguards.
4Productivity
If high-throughput processing is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The high-throughput capability is achieved through multiple parallel processing channels within each module. Samples can be processed simultaneously in separate reaction wells, increasing throughput without requiring a proportionally larger or more complex overall system architecture.
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 high-throughput, flexible, and contamination-free nucleic acid extraction and analysis, suitable for point-of-care use, allowing simultaneous detection of various pathogens and cancers.
Implementation Method 1
The nucleic acid extraction unit is composed of a binding unit, a washing unit, and an eluting unit, and is extracted by the magnetic bead method
Implementation Method 2
fluorescence detection
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a device for extracting and detecting nucleic acids, comprising one or more sample receiving modules, one or more lysing modules, one or more extraction module of nucleic acids, one or more amplification module of nucleic acids, and a detection module. Also provided is a molecular in vitro diagnostic instrument comprising the device for extracting and detecting nucleic acids and an automatic control system. Further provided is an in vitro diagnosis method by means of performing extraction and amplification of nucleic acids in a sample using the device for extracting and detecting nucleic acids.