Automated Nucleic Acid Extraction and Analysis System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current nucleic acid extraction and analysis methods require multiple steps, are time-consuming, and prone to errors and contamination, especially in understaffed settings, and often necessitate trained professionals for result interpretation.
Innovation Solution
An automated system combining nucleic acid extraction and qualitative analysis using a magnetic rotary mixer with retractable magnetic rods, a stepper motor-controlled auto stage, and RT-LAMP reagents for one-time high-throughput processing, allowing for direct observation of results without additional equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional qPCR method is used for nucleic acid detection, then detection accuracy is improved, but operational time and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines nucleic acid extraction and LAMP amplification into a single integrated reaction tube and automated workflow. The extraction buffer, LAMP primers, and magnetic beads are pre-mixed in the same tube, eliminating separate extraction and amplification steps while maintaining detection accuracy through the magnetic bead-based purification approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated system performs multiple functions including sample mixing, magnetic bead separation, washing, and LAMP amplification in a single integrated platform. The magnetic rods serve both extraction and amplification purposes, reducing the need for separate equipment and操作步骤.
2Measurement precision
If traditional nucleic acid extraction and analysis methods are used, then processing accuracy is improved, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs automated magnetic rod manipulation for sample mixing, bead separation, and washing steps. The programmed automated platform performs extraction and amplification operations without manual intervention, reducing operational complexity while maintaining processing accuracy through consistent automated execution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated control system that uses magnetic fields for bead manipulation. The automated platform substitutes human-operated mechanical mixing and separation with programmed magnetic rod movements, simplifying the user interface while maintaining precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual nucleic acid extraction is performed, then flexibility is maintained, but productivity and throughput decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system performs continuous mixing, separation, and washing operations without manual interruption. The programmed workflow enables uninterrupted processing of multiple samples through sequential magnetic rod operations, significantly increasing throughput while maintaining the flexibility to handle different sample types.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic magnetic rod movements for mixing and separation cycles. The automated platform executes repeated cycles of magnetic bead attachment, washing, and elution at optimized time intervals, enabling high-throughput processing while maintaining operational flexibility through programmable cycle parameters.
4Reliability
If multiple separate steps are used for extraction and analysis, then each step can be optimized, but total operational time and labor increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges extraction and amplification into a single integrated workflow where magnetic beads perform both purification and amplification initiation functions in the same reaction tube. This reduces the number of manual transfer steps while maintaining the optimization benefits of separate extraction and amplification protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic beads serve multiple functions including sample purification, concentration, and amplification template delivery. The automated system performs multiple operations (mixing, separation, washing, elution) using the same magnetic rod mechanism, simplifying the operational interface while maintaining step-specific optimization.
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 system significantly reduces operational time, minimizes labor, and ensures high accuracy and sensitivity in nucleic acid extraction and analysis, making it suitable for rapid and efficient pathogen detection in resource-constrained environments.
Implementation Method 1
automatically extracts the nucleic acid through the magnetic attraction of magnetic bead
Implementation Method 2
a heat plate, disposed under the plate holder for heating the plate
Implementation Method 3
The magnetic rotary mixer mixes the samples, the reagents and the beads
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a system and method for automatic nucleic acid extraction and qualitative analysis. The system comprises a magnetic rotary mixer which comprises a plurality of magnetic rods for generating magnetism, configured to be retractable from the magnetic rotary mixer; a plurality of spin shaft for mounting tips, and the plurality of magnetic rods extend therein; an auto stage comprises a plate holder, which allows a plate place thereon; a mixer holder to hold the magnetic rotary mixer over the plate holder; and a heat plate, disposed under the plate holder for heating the plate. The present invention provides an automated high-throughput nucleic acid extraction and qualitative diagnosis with high efficiency and high accuracy, which is easy to interpret for operators, and realize that nucleic acid extraction and molecular detection can be completed at one time in a single device.