Self-Contained Nucleic Acid Purification Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for DNA purification from unprocessed clinical, environmental, and forensic samples are labor-intensive, time-consuming, and require manual handling, lacking robust, rapid, and cost-effective solutions for field applications, particularly in clinical diagnostics and forensic analysis.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained apparatus combining macrofluidic and microfluidic components that automates the DNA purification process, using pre-filled reagent storage reservoirs and a drive mechanism to sequentially drive lysis, wash, and elution reagents through a nucleic acid purification matrix, minimizing operator intervention and enabling rapid nucleic acid extraction from various sample types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual DNA purification methods are used, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but labor intensity and processing time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The purification matrix is designed to automatically bind nucleic acids from the sample solution as it passes through the matrix, eliminating the need for manual intervention. The matrix self-regulates the purification process through its functional groups that selectively capture nucleic acids while allowing other cellular components to pass through
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations (pipetting, centrifugation, filtration) with a chemical-biological system where the purification matrix performs the separation function. The matrix uses chemical binding mechanisms rather than mechanical force to achieve nucleic acid purification
2Loss of time
If traditional purification protocols are used, then comprehensive sample processing is achieved, but processing time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The purification matrix integrates multiple purification functions (binding, washing, elution) into a single modular component. This segmented design allows each function to be performed sequentially without requiring separate equipment or complex protocol coordination, reducing both time and complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines cell lysis, nucleic acid binding, and purification steps into a single integrated process using the purification matrix. Multiple traditional protocol steps are merged into one continuous flow-through operation, dramatically reducing processing time and simplifying the overall procedure
3Ease of operation
If extensive manual processing is performed, then sample handling flexibility is maintained, but labor intensity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The purification matrix automatically performs nucleic acid capture and retention without operator intervention. The matrix self-regulates the purification process through its functional groups that selectively bind nucleic acids, eliminating the need for continuous manual monitoring and manipulation
Solution Approach 2:
The purification matrix acts as an intermediary between the sample and the analysis instrument. It handles all complex purification operations autonomously, serving as a self-contained processing unit that requires minimal operator interaction while maintaining high processing efficiency
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 apparatus enables rapid, efficient, and automated DNA purification from diverse samples, reducing processing time and labor, while ensuring high-quality nucleic acid extraction suitable for immediate analysis, thereby enhancing field and clinical applications.
Implementation Method 1
The purification matrix may be comprised of silica membranes, silica beads, ion exchange resins, ion exchange beads, or other suitable purification media
Data Source
AI summary
A self-contained apparatus for isolating nucleic acid, cell lysates and cell suspensions from unprocessed samples apparatus, to be used with an instrument, includes at least one input, and: (i) a macrofluidic component, including a chamber for receiving an unprocessed sample from a collection device and at least one filled liquid purification reagent storage reservoir; and (ii) a microfluidic component in communication with the macrofluidic component through at least one microfluidic element, the microfluidic component further comprising at least one nucleic acid purification matrix; and (iii) at least one interface port to a drive mechanism on the instrument for driving said liquid purification reagent, through the microfluidic element and the nucleic acid purification matrix, wherein the only inputs to the apparatus are through the chamber and the interface port to the drive mechanism.