Portable Nucleic Acid Device with Sealed Reagent Chambers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current nucleic acid testing (NAT) assays are complex, require specialized facilities and skilled personnel, and are not suitable for field-testing or resource-limited settings due to contamination risks and high costs, limiting their use in areas like developing countries.
Innovation Solution
A portable device with a processing chamber and reagent chambers that allows for sequential mixing and analysis of samples, providing a sealed system to prevent contamination and using pre-loaded reagents, which can be used in resource-limited settings without the need for specialized equipment or trained personnel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current NAT assays are used, then high sensitivity and sequence-specific detection are achieved, but device complexity and requirement for specialized facilities increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional modules: a processing chamber for sample preparation, multiple reagent chambers for different reagents, and an analyser chamber for detection. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently while maintaining the overall high sensitivity detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The processing chamber serves multiple functions: it receives the sample, mixes it with reagents from different reagent chambers, and contains the amplification reaction. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining detection sensitivity
2Measurement precision
If current NAT assays are used, then high detection sensitivity is achieved, but ease of operation decreases due to requirement for skilled personnel
Solution Approach 1:
Reagents are pre-loaded into sealed reagent chambers before use. The user simply needs to activate the device, which then automatically delivers the correct reagents to the processing chamber in the correct sequence, eliminating the need for skilled personnel to prepare complex reagent mixtures
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates an automatic mechanism that delivers reagents from the reagent chambers to the processing chamber based on the amplification protocol. The system self-regulates the reagent delivery process, requiring minimal user intervention and no specialized training
3Measurement precision
If current NAT assays are used, then amplification sensitivity is improved, but contamination risk increases in field settings
Solution Approach 1:
The reagents are extracted from their original storage containers and sealed in individual reagent chambers within the device. This physical separation and sealing prevents contamination from the external environment while maintaining the high sensitivity amplification reaction
Solution Approach 2:
The reagent chambers are sealed to create a protected environment that isolates the reagents and sample from external contamination. This sealed system maintains the integrity of the amplification reaction even in field conditions without specialized laboratory facilities
4Measurement precision
If current NAT assays are used, then detection accuracy is improved, but loss of substance increases due to multi-step procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The device delivers reagents continuously through the amplification protocol without removing the processing chamber or interrupting the reaction. This continuous operation prevents loss of sample and reagents that would occur during transfer between separate containers in traditional multi-step procedures
Data Source
AI summary
A device for the processing of a sample comprises a location apparatus, a processing chamber for receiving the sample and a plurality of reagent chambers. The reagent chambers have openings defined in the location apparatus. The processing chamber is movable relative to the reagent chambers to enable sequential communication with each reagent chamber in turn.