Nucleic Acid Analyzer Substrate Branching for Low-Reagent Flow Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Nucleic acid analyzers with multiple flow paths require a branched flow path structure that leads to increased reagent consumption and potential contamination due to dead volumes and unused reagents, especially when different substrate sizes are used.
Innovation Solution
A nucleic acid analyzer with a flow path branch point on the substrate minimizes the number of introduction flow paths, stabilizes inlet portions, and prevents dead volumes, allowing for substrates of varying sizes without increasing reagent consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a branched flow path structure is used to connect reagents with multiple substrate flow paths, then multiple flow paths can be served, but reagent consumption amount increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the flow path configuration adaptable through substrate design. The branch point is integrated into the substrate itself, allowing the flow path structure to dynamically adapt to different substrate configurations (single flow path or multiple flow paths) without requiring changes to the reagent delivery system. This resolves the contradiction by enabling multiple flow paths to be served while minimizing reagent consumption through optimized flow path design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the flow path system into modular components: the introduction flow path, the branch point, and multiple substrate flow paths. This segmentation allows the system to efficiently serve multiple flow paths from a single reagent introduction point, reducing reagent consumption compared to a non-segmented system where each flow path would require separate reagent delivery.
2Adaptability or versatility
If substrates of different sizes are used to adjust throughput, then throughput flexibility is improved, but dead volume is generated in unused branched flow paths causing contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the system to adapt to different substrate configurations (single flow path or multiple flow paths) through integrated branch points in the substrate. This dynamic adaptability allows throughput flexibility while eliminating dead volume in unused flow paths, as the flow path structure can be optimized to match the substrate configuration being used.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the extraction principle by removing the problematic external branched flow path structure and integrating the branch point directly into the substrate. This extraction eliminates the dead volume that would exist in external branched flow paths when substrates of different sizes are used, thereby preventing contamination while maintaining throughput flexibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple introduction flow paths are provided to serve multiple substrate flow paths, then flow path coverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by combining multiple flow path functions into a single introduction flow path. The branch point integrated into the substrate allows one introduction flow path to serve multiple substrate flow paths, thereby improving flow path coverage while reducing device complexity compared to having separate introduction flow paths for each substrate flow path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the flow path system into modular components: the introduction flow path, the branch point, and multiple substrate flow paths. This segmentation allows efficient flow path coverage through a single introduction point while keeping the device structure organized and manageable, resolving the contradiction between coverage and complexity.
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
This configuration reduces reagent consumption and prevents contamination by stabilizing inlet portions, enabling flexible use of substrates with different flow path counts without generating dead volumes.
Implementation Method 1
a reagent that fluorescently labels each base of DNA
Implementation Method 2
extending a nucleic acid attached with a fluorescent label by one base each time
Data Source
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AI summary
The purpose of the present invention is to provide a nucleic acid analyzer which prevents an increase in reagent consumption caused by a branched channel structure and on which multiple kinds of substrates having different channel numbers can be mounted. The nucleic acid analyzer according to the present invention is provided with a first substrate that comprises an inlet section connected to an introduction path, a first outlet section connected to a first discharge path, a second outlet section connected to a second discharge path, a first channel guiding a reagent from the inlet section to the first outlet section, a second channel guiding the reagent from the inlet section to the second outlet section, and a branching section branching, from the inlet section, into the first and second channels, wherein the first and second channels are connected to each other exclusively at the branching portion (see FIG. 1).