Multiplex Slide Plate with Controlled-Release Reagents
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for conducting PCR assays are labor-intensive and prone to errors due to the need for multiple pipettings and risk of cross-contamination in small reaction vessels, with existing solutions like microfluidic chips being costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A multiplex slide plate pre-filled with PCR reagents using a controlled-release formulation that allows delayed release of primers and reporters, enabling efficient sample loading without cross-contamination, using glycerol and other controlled-release substances to maintain reagent stability and prevent premature release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple primer pairs are added to reaction vessels through multiple pipettings, then the accuracy of individual primer addition is improved, but the labor work becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-fills primer pairs into individual reaction vessels at the factory before the user receives the plate. This preliminary action eliminates the need for users to perform multiple pipetting operations in the lab, significantly reducing labor while maintaining accurate primer distribution in each well
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the master mix into multiple separate primer pairs, with each primer pair pre-filled into individual reaction vessels. This segmentation allows each well to contain only the specific primer pair needed for its intended assay, preventing cross-contamination while simplifying user operation
2Quantity of substance
If reaction vessel volume is reduced to nano-liter range to save reagent cost, then reagent consumption is reduced, but cross-contamination between neighbouring vessels increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-fills primer pairs into individual nano-liter reaction vessels at the factory under controlled conditions. This preliminary action ensures that each well receives the correct amount of primer without requiring manual pipetting by the user, which would be prone to cross-contamination in such small volumes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a hydrophobic coating on the plate surface that creates hydrophobic barriers between adjacent wells. This local modification of surface properties prevents primer escape from one well to another, maintaining reliability while enabling nano-liter volume reactions
3Extent of automation
If microfluidic chip is used to deliver reagents to reaction wells, then automated delivery is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-fills primer pairs into individual reaction vessels at the factory before the plate is shipped to the user. This eliminates the need for complex microfluidic channels or automated delivery systems in the user's lab, achieving automated delivery through advance preparation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the microfluidic delivery system from the user's equipment and transfers the delivery function to the factory manufacturing process. The primers are physically loaded into each well during plate fabrication, extracting the complexity of automated delivery from the end-user system
4Reliability
If primers are immobilized onto well surface to prevent cross-contamination, then cross-contamination is prevented, but primer movement in reaction vessel is restricted reducing PCR efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies hydrophobic coating only to the regions between adjacent wells, not to the well surfaces themselves. This local modification creates barriers that prevent primer escape between wells while leaving the well interiors hydrophilic and conducive to primer movement and PCR reactions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-fills primer pairs into individual reaction vessels at the factory under controlled conditions, ensuring proper primer distribution before the plate reaches the user. This preliminary action prevents cross-contamination during storage and transport without requiring immobilization that would hinder PCR efficiency
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 simplifies sample loading, reduces labor, and prevents cross-contamination while maintaining PCR efficiency, allowing for rapid and accurate multiplex assays with improved reagent preservation and transportation.
Implementation Method 1
A multiplex slide plate pre-filled with PCR reagents using a controlled-release formulation that allows delayed release of primers and reporters
Implementation Method 2
controlled-release formulation that allows delayed release of primers and reporters
Implementation Method 3
using glycerol and other controlled-release substances to maintain reagent stability and prevent premature release
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a multiplex slide plate for various types of assays. The slide plate may be pre-filled with special-formulated reagents in different reaction zones, and the reactions carry out independently in the reaction zones filled with special-formulated reagent.