Multi-Substrate Optical Detector for Compact Nucleic Acid Amplification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical detectors for nucleic acid amplification are bulky and lack the necessary compactness and accuracy for real-time monitoring of nucleic acid amplification processes, particularly in gene expression analysis and infectious disease testing.
Innovation Solution
A compact optical detector design comprising multiple substrates with integrated heating, photoirradiation, and photodetection means, allowing for the stacking of components to create a high-performance device capable of detecting nucleic acid amplification using various methods, including PCR and isothermal amplification techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional optical detectors are used for nucleic acid amplification detection, then detection function is achieved, but device size becomes bulky and portability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The optical detector is divided into multiple functional modules including light source unit, optical path unit, detector unit, and control unit. Each module performs a specific function and can be independently optimized. The detector uses separate components for excitation light generation, optical path control, and fluorescence detection, allowing compact arrangement while maintaining detection precision through specialized functional zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where the light source, optical components, and detector are arranged in concentric or layered configurations. The excitation light source is positioned centrally or at one end, with optical paths and detectors arranged around or beyond it, creating a compact nested layout that reduces overall device volume while maintaining functional separation and detection accuracy.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple functional components are integrated into the optical detector, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical detector is designed with multi-functional components that can perform multiple operations. The detector unit can detect various types of light signals (fluorescence, absorbance, reflectance) using the same basic detector architecture. The control unit implements multiple detection modes and analysis algorithms within a single system, reducing the need for separate specialized devices while maintaining versatility through software-controlled functional adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple detection functions into a single integrated optical path system. The light source, optical components, and detector are merged into one cohesive unit with shared optical paths and control systems. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components and interfaces while maintaining comprehensive detection capability through unified system architecture and integrated control logic.
3Measurement precision
If heating means are added for temperature control, then amplification accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system implements periodic temperature cycling rather than continuous heating, matching the nucleic acid amplification protocol requirements. The control unit activates heating only during specific phases of the amplification cycle when temperature changes are needed, then maintains or reduces power during stable temperature phases. This periodic operation provides necessary temperature control for amplification accuracy while minimizing overall power consumption through duty-cycle optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts heating power levels based on real-time temperature feedback and amplification phase requirements. The control unit modifies heating parameters (power, duration, timing) to match the specific needs of different amplification steps, providing precise temperature control when needed and reducing or eliminating heating during maintenance phases. This adaptive parameter control maintains amplification accuracy while optimizing energy efficiency throughout the amplification process.
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
The solution enables the development of a compact, high-accuracy optical detector that can efficiently monitor nucleic acid amplification processes in real-time, reducing size and power consumption while maintaining precise temperature control and improved signal-to-noise ratio.
Implementation Method 1
Heating means are provided in the second substrate to heat the wells
Implementation Method 2
A plurality of photoirradiation means are provided in the third substrate. The plurality of photoirradiation means are aligned with the wells
Implementation Method 3
A plurality of photodetection means are provided in the fourth substrate. The plurality of photodetection means are aligned with the wells
Implementation Method 4
Fluorescence is emitted by bonding this intercalator to a double-chain DNA produced in the course of PCR reaction and irradiating excitation light onto the intercalator
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is an optical detector at least including: a first substrate in which a plurality of wells are formed; a second substrate in which a heating section is provided to heat the wells; a third substrate in which a plurality of photoirradiation sections are provided in alignment with the wells; and a fourth substrate in which a plurality of photodetection sections are provided in alignment with the wells.