Nucleic Acid Extraction via Functional Group Masking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current nucleic acid extraction techniques are often complex, time-consuming, and not suitable for automation, leading to inefficiencies and potential contamination issues, especially in urgent cases like sepsis.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of a solid support, such as silica-based particles, where the sample is treated with a reagent to mask amine and/or carboxylic acid functional groups of proteins and polysaccharides before nucleic acid capture, allowing for improved extraction efficiency and purity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional nucleic acid extraction techniques are used, then extraction can be performed, but the process is complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by treating the sample with masking reagents before the nucleic acid capture step. This pre-treatment masks interfering functional groups (amines and carboxylic acids) in proteins and polysaccharides, preventing them from interfering with subsequent silica-based nucleic acid binding. By addressing potential interference issues beforehand, the overall process becomes simpler and faster without sacrificing extraction quality.
2Extent of automation
If traditional nucleic acid extraction techniques are used, then extraction can be performed, but automation is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The masking treatment is performed as a preliminary step that can be easily automated. The reagents are added to the sample before nucleic acid capture, and this sequential process is well-suited for robotic liquid handling systems. By standardizing the treatment protocol beforehand, the entire extraction workflow becomes more amenable to automation while maintaining simplicity.
3Productivity
If silica-based solid support is used for nucleic acid capture, then extraction efficiency is improved, but interfering substances reduce purity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses masking reagents as intermediaries that modify interfering substances (proteins and polysaccharides) before they can interact with the silica-based solid support. These reagents mask the functional groups that cause interference, allowing the silica to selectively bind nucleic acids without being affected by other sample components. This intermediary treatment ensures both high extraction yield and high purity simultaneously.
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 method achieves higher extraction yields and purity of nucleic acids, is simpler to implement, and can be automated, making it suitable for rapid and reliable nucleic acid extraction in various biological samples.
Implementation Method 1
a step of treating the sample with at least one reagent in order to mask the amine and/or carboxylic acid functional groups of the proteins and/or polysaccharides of the sample
Implementation Method 2
capturing nucleic acids by placing the sample in contact with a suitable solid support
Data Source
AI summary
A method for extracting nucleic acids using suitable solid supports, for example silica-based. In particular, the method includes a step of capturing nucleic acids by placing the sample in contact with a suitable solid support, characterized in that, prior to the capture step, said method includes a step of treating the sample with at least one reagent for masking the amine or carboxylic acid functional groups of the proteins and/or polysaccharides of the sample.