Nucleic Acid Data Recording via Droplet Collision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for recording data in nucleic acids, such as base-to-base nucleic acid synthesis, are costly and slow, while block-by-block methods using precast permutations of oligonucleotides are more accessible but face challenges in efficiently positioning nucleic acid components and minimizing reaction volumes and reagent use.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that enable the rapid in-flight positioning of selected nucleic acid components within a single drop before it lands on a drop collecting element, using a carrier drop that collides and merges with drops containing the nucleic acid components, thereby minimizing reaction volumes and reagent use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If base-to-base nucleic acid synthesis is used, then data can be recorded in nucleic acids, but the process is costly and slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the nucleic acid sequence into multiple blocks or segments, where each block can be independently synthesized and then assembled. This segmentation allows parallel processing of multiple blocks simultaneously, dramatically increasing productivity while reducing total synthesis time compared to sequential base-to-base synthesis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary synthesis of multiple nucleic acid blocks in parallel before final assembly. By pre-synthesizing blocks independently and preparing them for assembly in advance, the system achieves faster overall data recording speed while reducing the time required for the critical path of sequential operations.
2Ease of manufacture
If custom precast permutations of oligonucleotides are used, then data recording becomes more accessible, but efficient positioning of nucleic acid components remains challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary positioning system that uses addressable locations or barcodes on the substrate to guide the precise placement of nucleic acid blocks. This intermediary layer simplifies the positioning process by providing clear spatial instructions, reducing device complexity while maintaining ease of manufacture for data recording.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning systems with optical or magnetic field-based addressing systems. By using non-mechanical fields to guide and position nucleic acid components, the system reduces mechanical complexity while maintaining accessibility for data recording operations.
3Ease of operation
If high reaction volumes are used for assembling nucleic acid components, then components can be adequately mixed, but costs of nucleic acid components and binding reagents increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs microfluidic hydraulic systems to achieve adequate mixing of nucleic acid components in minimal reaction volumes. By using controlled fluid flow patterns, pressure gradients, and microfluidic channel designs, the system ensures thorough mixing while reducing reagent consumption by orders of magnitude compared to traditional bulk mixing methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the reaction environment, such as using elevated temperatures, altered pH conditions, or modified ionic strength, to enhance mixing efficiency in reduced reaction volumes. These parameter changes allow adequate component interaction and assembly without requiring large reaction volumes, thereby reducing nucleic acid and reagent consumption.
4Manufacturing precision
If manual positioning of nucleic acid components is performed, then components can be placed in correct locations, but the process is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service positioning mechanisms where nucleic acid blocks contain inherent addressing information or spatial recognition elements that enable them to automatically locate and attach to their correct positions on the substrate. This self-positioning capability eliminates time-consuming manual placement while maintaining high manufacturing precision through programmable or chemically encoded address systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses digital copying of positional information from a design file or sequence map to guide the automated placement of nucleic acid blocks. By copying spatial coordinates and assembly instructions from a digital representation to the physical assembly process, the system achieves both high positioning accuracy and rapid throughput, replacing slow manual operations with automated digital-guided placement.
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 allows for fast and efficient positioning of nucleic acid components, reducing costs by minimizing reaction volumes and reagent use, while also protecting the components from evaporation and preventing cross-contamination.
Implementation Method 1
A carrier drop is dispensed and sequentially collides with drops that aggregately include the plurality of nucleic acid components, which represent data, so that the plurality of nucleic acid components, which represent data, is located in the carrier drop during flight
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3A~4B
AI summary
At least some example embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a device and a method for recording data in nucleic acids. In at least some example embodiments of the device for recording data in nucleic acids, the device includes a plurality of liquid dispensers being configured to dispense and collide drops, wherein a carrier drop is dispensed and sequentially collides and merges with drops that aggregately comprise a subset of components from a set of nucleic acid components, so that the subset of components is located in the carrier drop during flight and represents data, and a drop collecting element is configured to collect the carrier drop.