Parallel Nucleic Acid Detection Chamber for Fast Isothermal Quantification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing molecular diagnostic techniques for detecting and quantifying small quantities of DNA and RNA are not sufficiently simple, fast, or reliable for accurate detection of genetic defects and diseases.

Innovation Solution

A device with a reaction chamber and immobilized targeting nucleic acids at predetermined locations, capable of isothermal amplification and detection/quantification of target polynucleotides, utilizing a design that enhances surface/volume ratio and includes features like thermal conductivity, insulation, and timed valves for efficient sample processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional molecular diagnostic techniques (southern blot, PCR, RT-PCR, ligase chain reaction) are used to detect target nucleic acids, then detection capability is achieved, but the techniques are not sufficiently simple, fast, or reliable for accurate detection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection reliabilityVSAvoidtechnique complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device segments the reaction chamber into multiple discrete locations, each containing specific targeting nucleic acids immobilized on the surface. This segmentation allows parallel detection of multiple targets simultaneously, improving reliability while maintaining simplicity through spatial organization rather than complex procedural steps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device employs isothermal amplification that occurs automatically at body temperature without requiring external heating or cooling systems. The reaction chamber design with immobilized targeting nucleic acids enables the system to self-regulate the detection process, eliminating complex thermal cycling equipment while maintaining high detection reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Speed

If conventional molecular diagnostic techniques are used, then detection of target nucleic acids is achieved, but the detection speed is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection speedVSAvoiddetection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the temperature parameter from conventional thermal cycling (PCR) to isothermal conditions at body temperature. This parameter change enables rapid amplification without the time-consuming heating and cooling cycles, achieving fast detection while maintaining reliability through the use of temperature-independent isothermal amplification enzymes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

Targeting nucleic acids are pre-immobilized at specific locations on the reaction chamber surface before sample introduction. This preliminary positioning allows immediate capture and amplification of target sequences upon sample addition, eliminating preparation time and enabling rapid detection while ensuring reliable target-specific amplification

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If the reaction chamber has a larger volume to accommodate more sample, then sensitivity is improved, but the surface/volume ratio decreases reducing detection efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection sensitivityVSAvoidsurface area to volume ratio

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention transitions from a conventional three-dimensional bulk reaction volume to a two-dimensional surface-based reaction system. By immobilizing targeting nucleic acids on the reaction chamber surface and conducting amplification in a thin fluid layer adjacent to the surface, the system maximizes the surface area available for target capture while maintaining a very small effective reaction volume, thereby achieving high sensitivity without sacrificing surface-to-volume ratio

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

Enables rapid, reliable detection and quantification of target polynucleotides using body temperature, with improved sensitivity and specificity, allowing for visual or smartphone-based results.

Implementation Method 1

the first external surface comprises a material that is able to conduct heat

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

the second external surface comprise an insulating material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 3

targeting nucleic acids specific for different target polynucleotides are immobilized at different predetermined locations on the internal surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNucleic acid hybridization:

Data Source

PatentUS20260078434A1Device for parallel detection and quantification of nucleic acid based markers

Publication Date: 2026.03.19 TODX INC

AI summary

The present disclosure describes methods and devices for detection and quantification of nucleic acid based markers in a sample.