Automated mRNA Preparation System with Semiconductor Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for preparing mRNA vaccines are lengthy and prone to contamination due to manual pipetting, leading to mRNA degradation and low yields.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a PCR amplification device, semiconductor chilling plate, solenoid valve assembly, and peristaltic pump assembly to control liquid flow and maintain optimal temperatures, reducing manual handling and contamination risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual pipetting operation is used for liquid addition and transferring, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to RNase contamination and mRNA degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical pipetting operations with an automated liquid handling system that uses magnetic attraction and repulsion forces to manipulate reagent tubes. The magnetic assembly with movable magnet replaces manual pipetting guns, eliminating RNase contamination risks while maintaining operational ease through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the control system and the reagent tubes. The magnetic assembly uses magnetic attraction and repulsion forces to indirectly manipulate tube positions and liquid transfers, avoiding direct mechanical contact that could introduce contamination.
2Ease of operation
If multiple apparatuses and manpower are used for mRNA vaccine preparation, then ease of operation is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to long preparation period
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate apparatuses (PCR amplification device, liquid handling system, temperature control system) into an integrated automated platform. The reaction device combines test tube rack, semiconductor chilling plate, and magnetic assembly into a single unified system, enabling simultaneous operations that dramatically reduce preparation time while maintaining ease of use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous automated liquid handling and reaction processing without manual intervention interruptions. The system continuously performs liquid transfers, incubations, and magnetic separations in sequence, eliminating idle time between operations and maximizing productivity while keeping the system easy to operate through automated sequencing.
3Reliability
If automated liquid handling system is used to avoid manual pipetting, then reliability is improved by preventing RNase contamination, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the automated system into distinct functional modules: PCR amplification device, semiconductor chilling plate, magnetic assembly, and control system. Each module performs a specific function independently, making the overall complex system manageable through modular design while maintaining high reliability through reduced contamination risks.
4Productivity
If preparation period is shortened through automation, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the reaction device to perform multiple functions within a single apparatus: temperature control via semiconductor chilling plate, magnetic manipulation of reagent tubes, liquid handling, and PCR amplification. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple separate devices, achieving high productivity while limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
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 approach significantly shortens the preparation period, increases mRNA yield, and prevents degradation by automating the pipetting process and maintaining precise temperature control, thereby enhancing the efficiency of mRNA vaccine production.
Implementation Method 1
a reaction device comprising a test tube rack configured to support a reaction tube, a semiconductor chilling plate connected to the test tube rack
Implementation Method 2
a fin type radiator disposed under the test tube rack, and a cooling fan disposed under the fin type radiator
Implementation Method 3
the raw reagent tubes are connected to the reaction tubes via a solenoid valve assembly and a peristaltic pump assembly
Implementation Method 4
the raw reagent tubes are connected to the reaction tubes via a solenoid valve assembly and a peristaltic pump assembly
Implementation Method 5
a PCR amplification device configured to amplify DNA
Data Source
AI summary
The present application belongs to the technical field of mRNA preparation, and discloses a system and a method for preparing mRNA, which can shorten a preparation period, and avoid degradation of an mRNA product due to the introduction of RNase by manual pipetting. The system for preparing mRNA comprises a PCR amplification device configured to amplify DNA; a plurality of raw reagent tubes, each of which is configured to provide a single reagent; and a reaction device configured to allow reagents to react. Specifically, the reaction device comprises a test tube rack configured to support reaction tubes, a semiconductor chilling plate connected to the test tube rack, a fin type radiator disposed under the test tube rack, and a cooling fan disposed under the fin type radiator; wherein the raw reagent tubes are connected to the reaction tubes via a solenoid valve module and a peristaltic pump module, and the solenoid valve module and the peristaltic pump module are connected with a control device and are controlled by an upper computer control program.