Disposable Nucleic Acid Module with Moveable Valve Plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting nucleic acids are time-consuming, costly, and prone to human error, limiting their effectiveness in diagnosing genetic, bacterial, and viral diseases.
Innovation Solution
A disposable sample processing module with a hybridization chamber, sample well, and moveable valve plate is used to process DNA or RNA samples, incorporating oligonucleotides bonded to the chamber surface for hybridization, fluid exchange, and amplification, enabling quicker and more accurate nucleic acid detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional nucleic acid detection methods (electrophoresis, PCR, hybridization) are used, then detection accuracy is maintained, but the process is time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the hybridization process into multiple parallel chambers, each capable of independent operation. This segmentation allows simultaneous processing of multiple samples, reducing overall detection time while maintaining accuracy through dedicated hybridization zones for each sample.
Solution Approach 2:
Oligonucleotide probes are pre-covalently bonded to the internal surfaces of hybridization chambers before sample introduction. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for probe addition steps during the detection process, reducing operational time and minimizing human error while preserving detection sensitivity.
2Productivity
If manual processing steps are used in conventional methods, then flexibility is maintained, but human error increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates automated fluid management systems with moveable valve plates that automatically control sample transfer, reagent addition, and waste removal. This self-service automation eliminates manual intervention steps, reducing human error while increasing throughput through consistent, programmable operation sequences.
Solution Approach 2:
Moveable valve plates serve as intermediaries between sample wells and hybridization chambers, automatically controlling fluid transfer. This intermediary mechanism provides precise, error-free sample delivery and isolation, eliminating manual pipetting errors while maintaining operational flexibility through programmable valve control.
3Reliability
If disposable modules are used, then contamination risk is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses individual disposable hybridization chambers within a reusable carrier, segmenting the disposable component to only where contamination risk exists. This approach provides contamination control in the sample handling zone while keeping the overall device structure simple and reusable through the permanent carrier framework.
Solution Approach 2:
The reusable carrier is designed with universal features including multiple hybridization chambers, integrated fluid management, and standardized interfaces. This multi-functional carrier can accommodate various disposable chamber configurations, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining contamination control through disposable chamber replacement.
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 module facilitates rapid and cost-effective detection of nucleic acids, reducing human error and improving diagnostic efficiency for various diseases and sequencing applications.
Implementation Method 1
a hybridization chamber adapted to receive an oligonucleotide covalently bonded to an internal surface of the hybridization chamber
Implementation Method 2
hybridize the DNA or RNA sample with the oligonucleotide
Implementation Method 3
a moveable valve plate disposed between the sample well and hybridization chamber, said moveable valve plate having a first position that allows transfer of the DNA or RNA sample from the sample well to the hybridization chamber and a second position that blocks transfer to the hybridization chamber
Implementation Method 4
a manifold adapted to exchange fluids with the hybridization chamber to hybridize the DNA or RNA sample with the oligonucleotide, to wash the hybridized sample and to amplify the hybridized sample
Data Source
AI summary
A disposable sample processing module is provided for processing DNA or RNA samples. The module includes a hybridization chamber adapted to receive an oligonucleotide covalently bonded to an internal surface of the hybridization chamber. The module also include a sample well adapted to hold a DNA or RNA sample, said sample well being coupled to the hybridization chamber, a moveable valve plate disposed between the sample well and hybridization chamber, said moveable valve plate having a first position that allows transfer of the DNA or RNA sample from the sample well to the hybridization chamber and a second position that blocks transfer to the hybridization chamber and a manifold adapted to exchange fluids with the hybridization chamber to hybridize the DNA or RNA sample with the oligonucleotide, to wash the hybridized sample and to amplify the hybridized sample.