All-in-one Molecular Diagnostics Device Using Segmented Pads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional molecular diagnostics methods are costly, complex, and require specialized techniques, with a high risk of sample contamination and long analysis times due to the need for expensive equipment and reagents like PCR and electrophoresis.
Innovation Solution
A portable all-in-one molecular diagnostics device with a binding pad, a transfer pad containing a dry elution buffer, and an amplification pad, which captures and separates diagnostic target molecules using a binding material and generates an amplification reaction, allowing for high-sensitivity isothermal amplification and detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional molecular diagnostics methods using PCR and electrophoresis are used, then accurate diagnosis with high sensitivity and specificity is achieved, but the cost is expensive and specialized techniques are required
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the molecular diagnostics process into distinct functional pads: a binding pad for target capture, a transfer pad for separation and transfer, and a detection pad for signal generation. This segmentation allows complex functions to be distributed across simple, integrated components that can be manufactured and used without specialized equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The binding pad acts as an intermediary component that captures target nucleic acids from the sample and transfers them to the detection pad. This intermediary function eliminates the need for complex PCR amplification equipment by using pad-based separation and transfer mechanisms instead
2Measurement precision
If conventional molecular diagnostics methods are used, then accurate diagnosis is achieved, but the analysis time is long
Solution Approach 1:
The binding pad is pre-loaded with capture probes and the detection pad is pre-loaded with detection reagents in a dry state. When sample is applied, all necessary components are already in position to immediately begin the diagnostic process, eliminating setup time and enabling rapid analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The device enables continuous processing where sample application, target capture, separation, and detection occur in an integrated flow through the pads. This continuous action eliminates the discrete, time-consuming steps of conventional methods and allows multiple samples to be processed simultaneously
3Measurement precision
If conventional molecular diagnostics methods are used, then gene amplification is achieved, but sample contamination is possible due to integrated equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The device physically segments the diagnostic process into separate pads that can be spatially separated. The binding pad, transfer pad, and detection pad are distinct components that can be handled independently, reducing the risk of cross-contamination compared to integrated PCR equipment where all steps occur in a single system
Solution Approach 2:
The binding pad is designed to be a separate, removable component that can be extracted from the device. This allows the target capture step to be physically separated from the detection step, eliminating the contamination risk associated with integrated amplification and detection systems
4Measurement precision
If conventional molecular diagnostics methods are used, then diagnosis is performed, but specialized techniques are required so only skilled technicians can perform it
Solution Approach 1:
The binding pad and detection pad are designed as self-contained units with pre-loaded reagents and instructions. The pads automatically perform their respective functions when sample is applied, requiring no specialized technical knowledge to operate. This self-service design allows anyone to perform accurate molecular diagnostics without training in complex techniques
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes the operational parameters from complex, skill-dependent procedures to simple, parameter-based operations. By using pad-based chemistry with defined binding and detection parameters, the system transforms specialized techniques into routine operations that can be performed by non-experts
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
Enables accurate, cost-effective, and contamination-free molecular diagnostics with reduced analysis time by integrating all necessary steps into a single device, facilitating the use of skilled technicians to perform sensitive and specific genetic diagnosis.
Implementation Method 1
a binding pad specifically binding to a diagnostic target molecule... a binding material that specifically binds to the diagnostic target molecule
Implementation Method 2
a transfer pad including an elution buffer in a dry state that separates the diagnostic target molecule from the binding pad
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an all-in-one molecular diagnostics device, and more particularly, a molecular diagnostics device comprising a binding pad specifically binding to a diagnostic target molecule, a transfer pad including an elution buffer in a dry state that separates the diagnostic target molecule from the binding pad, and an amplification pad where an amplification reaction for the diagnostic target molecule occurs.