PCR Plate Flow Blocking for Contamination-Free Nucleic Acid Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing PCR devices are too expensive, time-consuming, and require specialized skills for nucleic acid extraction and real-time gene amplification, limiting their use in point-of-care diagnostics and prone to contamination due to manual operations.
Innovation Solution
A PCR plate and nucleic acid extraction cartridge system that enables fully automated, rapid, and accurate nucleic acid extraction and real-time PCR with temperature control using elastic blocking members and heating blocks for uniform temperature application, preventing contamination and allowing multiplexed molecular diagnosis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual nucleic acid extraction is performed, then operation flexibility is maintained, but contamination risk increases and requires specialized skills
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automated nucleic acid extraction where the extracted nucleic acid solution is automatically transferred to the PCR plate without manual intervention. The blocking member automatically prevents reverse flow, and the heating blocks automatically control temperature cycling, eliminating the need for specialized manual operations while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking member acts as an intermediary component between the nucleic acid extraction cartridge and the PCR plate. It mediates the flow of nucleic acid solution by allowing forward flow during extraction while blocking reverse flow during PCR, thereby preventing contamination without requiring complex manual control mechanisms
2Productivity
If existing PCR devices are used, then accurate gene amplification is achieved, but examination time is too long and cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges nucleic acid extraction and PCR amplification into a single integrated device. The nucleic acid extraction cartridge connects directly to the PCR plate, and the heating blocks provide both extraction and PCR temperature control, eliminating the need for separate equipment and reducing examination time while maintaining detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The heating blocks dynamically adjust temperature for different PCR cycles and extraction steps. The system rapidly switches between different temperature requirements for optimal nucleic acid extraction and PCR amplification, enabling faster examination without compromising the precision of gene amplification
3Reliability
If automated nucleic acid extraction equipment is used, then contamination is reduced, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into modular components: a nucleic acid extraction cartridge and a PCR plate that can be separately prepared and then connected. This segmentation allows automated extraction without requiring a fully integrated complex system, as the modular design simplifies the overall device architecture while maintaining automation benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking member serves as a simple intermediary component that enables automated operation without requiring complex control systems. It passively prevents reverse flow through its physical structure, achieving contamination prevention through a simple design rather than complex automated mechanisms
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
Facilitates rapid, accurate, and convenient nucleic acid extraction and PCR with real-time detection, reducing examination time and enabling multiplexed molecular diagnosis suitable for point-of-care settings.
Implementation Method 1
a blocking member (240) mounted on the body (210) and blocking a reverse flow of the nucleic acid solution from the reaction wells (W) towards the flow channel (230)
Implementation Method 2
temperature control using elastic blocking members and heating blocks for uniform temperature application
Data Source
AI summary
A PCR plate includes: a body having at least one reaction well; an insertion portion extending from the body to be inserted into a nucleic acid extraction cartridge and having an injection port, into which a nucleic acid solution is injected; a flow channel, along which the nucleic acid solution flows from the injection port to the reaction well; and a blocking member mounted on the body and blocking a reverse flow of the nucleic acid solution from the reaction well towards the flow channel.