Nucleic Acid Extraction Instrument with Movable Heating Plates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current nucleic acid extraction methods in China are inefficient, costly, and lack repeatability and stability, particularly in the context of hepatitis B virus (HBV) extraction.
Innovation Solution
A fully automatic nucleic acid extraction instrument is developed, featuring a moveable heating device, hydrophobic magnetic bar sleeves, high-precision step motors, and a ball screw transmission system, which enhances extraction efficiency and uniformity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional manual nucleic acid extraction method is used, then operation simplicity is maintained, but extraction efficiency is low and productivity is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument divides the extraction process into distinct functional modules: heating module with multiple heating plates for different sample types, magnetic separation module with independent magnetic bars, and automated liquid handling system. Each module operates independently but coordinates through centralized control, enabling high-throughput processing while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument performs automated sample processing through programmable sequences that automatically control heating cycles, magnetic separation timing, and liquid dispensing. The system self-regulates extraction parameters based on pre-set protocols, eliminating manual intervention while maintaining ease of use through a user-friendly interface.
2Quantity of substance
If conventional extraction method is used, then cost is reduced, but extraction concentration and detection sensitivity are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument optimizes extraction by dynamically adjusting critical parameters: heating temperature (50-95°C) and duration (5-30 minutes) to enhance lysis efficiency, magnetic field strength and application time (15-60 seconds) to improve separation, and liquid volume ratios to maximize nucleic acid recovery. These parameter optimizations achieve 2-4 times higher concentration compared to conventional methods.
3Reliability
If manual extraction is used, then operation simplicity is maintained, but repeatability and stability are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument incorporates temperature sensors that continuously monitor heating plate temperatures and adjust power delivery to maintain precise thermal conditions. Magnetic bar positions are tracked and corrected in real-time, and liquid dispensing volumes are verified through feedback mechanisms. This closed-loop control ensures consistent extraction results across repeated operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-programs extraction protocols with optimized timing sequences for heating, mixing, and magnetic separation. Reagent volumes and incubation times are predetermined based on extensive validation, eliminating variability introduced by manual judgment. This preliminary preparation of parameters ensures high repeatability when protocols are executed.
4Stability of the object's composition
If moveable heating device with springs is used, then temperature uniformity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating device employs movable heating plates that can adjust their position vertically through spring mechanisms. This dynamic adjustment allows the heating plates to conform to the contours of different sample containers (96-well plates, deep well plates), ensuring uniform thermal contact across all sample positions. The springs provide constant pressure to maintain optimal thermal coupling while accommodating variations in container geometry.
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 instrument increases HBV extraction efficiency by 2-4 times, improves concentration by 2-4 times, and achieves high sensitivity detection, with a recovery rate of magnetic balls above 98% and reduced noise levels below 60 dB.
Implementation Method 1
a heating plate is disposed on the operating platform, a plurality of springs is disposed below the heating plate
Implementation Method 2
a magnetic bar sleeve is disposed in each well, a magnetic bar is disposed in the magnetic bar sleeve
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a nucleic acid extraction instrument including a base, an outer housing connected with the base, and an instrumental main body positioned inside the outer housing and mounted to the base; and the instrumental main body includes an electrical power pack, a main control device, a first motor set, a second motor set, and a third motor set.