Nucleic Acid Purification Syringe with Pressure Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for purifying nucleic acids are time-consuming, prone to contamination, and difficult to automate due to issues with liquid discharge times varying by viscosity and the formation of droplets during pressurization, which complicates the industrial-scale separation and purification of nucleic acids.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a cylindrical syringe and a solid phase-holding member using an organic polymer with hydroxyl groups, equipped with a pressure sensor to monitor and control pressure, ensuring efficient adsorption, washing, and desorption of nucleic acids without droplet formation, facilitating automation and reducing operation time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If pressurizing is used to discharge liquid from the syringe, then the liquid can be extruded, but the discharge time varies depending on liquid viscosity and droplets remain in the container
Solution Approach 1:
A pressure sensor is integrated into the syringe system to detect pressure changes during liquid discharge. The sensor provides real-time feedback about the discharge process, allowing the system to determine when liquid has been completely extruded by monitoring pressure patterns that indicate droplet formation or residual liquid presence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces purely mechanical timing-based discharge control with a sensor-based detection system. Instead of relying on fixed time intervals or manual observation, the pressure sensor automatically detects the completion of liquid discharge, enabling more reliable and adaptive control regardless of liquid viscosity variations.
2Reliability
If enough time is set to discharge all liquid for high viscosity specimens, then complete discharge is achieved, but the operation time increases for all specimens
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the discharge time based on real-time pressure sensor feedback rather than using a fixed time setting. The pressure sensor detects when liquid discharge is complete for each specific specimen, allowing the system to optimize operation time for each case individually - using longer times only when necessary for high viscosity specimens and shorter times for low viscosity specimens.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure sensor enables the system to automatically determine discharge completion without external intervention or predetermined timing. The system self-regulates the discharge process by monitoring pressure changes and stopping when the sensor detects that all liquid has been extruded, eliminating the need for conservative fixed time settings.
3Extent of automation
If pressure sensor is added to detect liquid discharge completion, then automation is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensor acts as an intermediary element that translates the physical state of liquid discharge into detectable pressure signals. This intermediary component enables automated detection without requiring complex mechanical or optical systems, providing a relatively simple sensing mechanism that bridges the gap between liquid discharge and electronic control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes pressure changes in the liquid system itself as the detection mechanism. By monitoring pneumatic/hydraulic pressure variations during discharge, the system achieves automated detection using the existing fluid dynamics of the system rather than introducing entirely new sensing modalities, thereby minimizing added 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
The apparatus enables rapid and efficient separation and purification of nucleic acids with improved handling and automation, ensuring consistent performance and high purity, while preventing liquid from remaining in the container as droplets.
Implementation Method 1
nucleic acids are adsorbed on the surface of silicon dioxide, silica polymers, magnesium silicate or the like
Implementation Method 2
the inside of a syringe is pressurized and the liquid in the syringe is discharged to the outside of the syringe
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an apparatus for separating and purifying nucleic acids, which comprises: a cylindrical syringe having a leading end part in which a first opening part is formed, a base end part in which a second opening part is formed and an accommodation part between said first opening part and second opening part, the accommodation part being able to hold liquid therein; and a solid phase-holding member connected to said leading end part, a flow hole being formed at the leading end side of the solid phase-holding member; wherein a solid phase comprised of an organic polymer having a hydroxyl group on the surface thereof is accommodated in said solid phase-holding member, the solid phase being able to adsorb and desorb nucleic acids in a sample solution; and wherein a pressure sensor capable of detecting the pressure in the accommodation part is connected.