Nucleic Acid Purification Device with Segmented Reservoir
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current nucleic acid purification methods using minispin columns are limited by their small volume, requiring multiple processing steps and restricting the handling and efficiency of larger sample volumes, while larger columns necessitate floor-standing centrifuges, reducing handling efficiency and increasing dead volumes.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece device with a predetermined breaking point, featuring a large upper section reservoir and a smaller lower section with a nucleic acid-binding matrix, allowing for larger sample volumes to be processed without the need for additional components, and enabling processing in a table centrifuge after separating the reservoir.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If minispin columns are used for nucleic acid purification, then the device can be processed in small laboratory centrifuges, but the column volume is limited to around 1 mL requiring successive processing steps for larger volumes
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two functional segments: a lower centrifugation column portion containing the nucleic acid-binding matrix and an upper reservoir portion for holding larger sample volumes. This segmentation allows the device to accommodate large volumes while maintaining compatibility with small centrifuges, as the centrifugation process only involves the lower column portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The device extends vertically by adding a reservoir portion above the column, utilizing the vertical dimension to increase capacity without increasing the horizontal footprint. This allows the device to hold larger volumes while maintaining a compact diameter suitable for small centrifuge rotors.
2Productivity
If larger binding columns are used to process larger volumes, then the processing volume increases, but floor-standing centrifuges are required reducing handling efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The device separates the volume-storage function (upper reservoir) from the centrifugation function (lower column). This allows the centrifugation portion to remain compact for easy handling in small centrifuges, while the upper reservoir provides the necessary volume capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of increasing column diameter to accommodate larger volumes (which would require floor-standing centrifuges), the device increases vertical height by adding a reservoir portion above the column, maintaining compatibility with small centrifuges.
3Productivity
If larger columns are used to process larger volumes, then the sample volume capacity increases, but dead volumes in the columns increase causing loss of nucleic acids
Solution Approach 1:
The device separates the reservoir (for volume capacity) from the column (for nucleic acid binding). The column portion maintains appropriate dimensions to minimize dead volumes, while the reservoir provides the necessary volume capacity without contributing to nucleic acid loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The reservoir portion is extracted as a separate functional element from the traditional column design. This reservoir serves only for volume storage and does not contain nucleic acid-binding matrix, thereby eliminating the dead volume problem associated with large columns while maintaining large volume capacity.
4Device complexity
If minispin columns with volume of around 1 mL are used, then the device complexity remains low, but multiple successive processing steps are required reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The device combines two functions (volume storage and centrifugation) into a single integrated structure with two portions. This allows processing of larger volumes in a single step rather than requiring multiple successive steps with small columns, while maintaining relatively simple device construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The reservoir and column are merged into a single device structure where the reservoir sits above the column. This combination allows the device to function both as a large-volume holder and as a centrifugation column, eliminating the need for multiple processing steps.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) for purifying nucleic acids composed of a one-piece hollow body (2) comprising an upper portion (3) having an inlet port (5) and a lower portion (4) having an outlet port (6), wherein within the hollow body (2) at the least one nucleic acid-binding matrix (7) is arranged, wherein the device (1) is characterized in that between the upper portion (3) and the lower portion (4) a predetermined breaking point (10) is provided and the nucleic acid-binding matrix (7) is arranged in the lower portion (4). The invention further relates to a method for producing such a device, a method for purifying nucleic acids by means of a device according to the invention, and a kit comprising a device according to the invention.