Integrated Nucleic Acid Extraction and Amplification Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current genetic screening methods for infectious diseases are cumbersome, require specialized equipment and skilled personnel, and are not feasible for small medical facilities due to high initial investment costs and complex procedures, limiting their use in rapid diagnosis.
Innovation Solution
A device for nucleic acid amplification that simplifies the process by integrating a filter for catching and washing nucleic acids, a reaction tube for amplification, and a cleaning fluid system, allowing for easy operation and reduced costs, enabling rapid and sensitive genetic screening without the need for extensive reagent preparation or specialized training.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional genetic screening methods are used, then sensitivity and specificity of disease detection are improved, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (nucleic acid extraction, amplification, and detection) into a single integrated device. The extraction chamber, reaction chamber, and detection components are merged into one unit, eliminating the need for separate centrifugal machines, micropipettes, and automated equipment while maintaining high detection sensitivity through integrated magnetic separation and isothermal amplification mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs multiple functions within a single system: it extracts nucleic acids using magnetic beads, performs isothermal amplification of target sequences, and detects the amplified products. This multi-functional design allows small medical facilities to conduct complete genetic screening workflows without requiring specialized equipment for each step.
2Measurement precision
If conventional genetic screening procedures are implemented, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but loss of time in preparation and pretreatment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary nucleic acid extraction and concentration using magnetic beads within the integrated chamber before amplification. This preliminary action consolidates multiple preparation steps (cell lysis, binding, washing, and elution) into a single automated sequence, reducing total preparation time while ensuring high-quality template DNA for subsequent isothermal amplification and maintaining diagnostic accuracy.
3Reliability
If conventional genetic screening is performed, then detection reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to skilled personnel requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed to perform automated operations without requiring skilled personnel. The magnetic bead-based extraction system automatically binds, washes, and releases nucleic acids through magnetic field control. The isothermal amplification system automatically maintains temperature and performs DNA synthesis. Users simply need to add sample and reagents, and the device handles all complex steps autonomously, maintaining high detection reliability while dramatically improving ease of operation.
4Measurement precision
If conventional genetic screening equipment is introduced, then measurement precision is improved, but initial investment costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses disposable components such as single-use extraction chambers, reaction tubes, and pre-prepared magnetic bead suspensions. These disposable elements eliminate the need for expensive, reusable equipment like centrifugal machines and automated liquid handlers. The magnetic separation mechanism uses simple magnets that can be reused, while consumable parts are inexpensive and replaceable, significantly reducing initial investment costs while maintaining high screening sensitivity through consistent, standardized procedures.
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 device enables rapid, precise, and sensitive genetic screening with reduced contamination risks and lower costs, making it suitable for small medical facilities to perform genetic screening independently, thus facilitating rapid diagnosis of infectious diseases.
Implementation Method 1
a filter carrying thereon the nucleic acid contained in the liquid sample
Implementation Method 2
a filter carrying thereon the nucleic acid contained in the liquid sample
Implementation Method 3
absorbing material capable of taking: a press-attaching position wherein the absorbing material is press-attached to the filter in the contacting position so that the filter absorbs the liquid sample contacting therewith
Data Source
AI summary
This device comprises: a casing with an upper surface including a sample-dripping portion receiving a liquid sample containing nucleic acid and being dripped from a nozzle; a reaction tube: outwardly projecting from an end of the casing; including a storage space therein; and being formed so as to be installed within a measurement apparatus; a filter carrying the nucleic acid contained in the liquid sample; a filter-supporting body stored within the casing to support the filter in a manner such that the filter is capable of taking: a contacting position wherein the filter contacts with the liquid sample right below the sample-dripping portion; and a reaction position wherein the filter is positioned within the storage space of the reaction tube; and absorbing material capable of taking: a press-attaching position wherein the absorbing material is press-attached to the filter in the contacting position so that the filter absorbs the liquid sample contacting therewith; and a separating position wherein the absorbing material is removed from the press-attaching position so that the filter is allowed to freely move.