Photodegradable Sample Binding Surface for Trace DNA Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for collecting trace biological samples, such as DNA, using cotton swabs or pads face challenges in efficiently releasing the sample for analysis due to cumbersome release processes that can degrade the sample, leading to reduced recovery.
Innovation Solution
A photodegradable sample collection device with a sample binding surface made of a photodegradable polymer that binds the sample and is degraded by specific wavelengths of light, releasing the sample as soluble monomers or oligomers for easy recovery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cotton swabs or pads are used to bind the biological sample, then the sample can be captured and transported, but the release process becomes cumbersome and may not result in complete yield of the trace biological sample
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using a photodegradable polymer whose binding properties change when exposed to light. The polymer transitions from a bound state (capturing the sample) to a degraded state (releasing the sample) through photoirradiation, enabling easy and complete sample release without manual manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical release process (manual manipulation of cotton swabs) with a photochemical system. Instead of mechanically removing the sample from the cotton fibers, the system uses light irradiation to trigger polymer degradation, which chemically facilitates sample release.
2Reliability
If cotton swabs or pads are used to bind the biological sample, then the sample can be captured, but the release process may degrade the sample and reduce recovery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical release process with a photochemical degradation process. The photodegradable polymer undergoes chemical breakdown when exposed to light, releasing the bound biological sample without the mechanical stress and degradation associated with manual manipulation of cotton swabs.
Solution Approach 2:
The photodegradable polymer acts as an intermediary that temporarily binds the sample during transport and then degrades to release it. This intermediary material provides controlled release functionality, ensuring complete sample recovery without direct mechanical handling.
3Ease of operation
If a photodegradable polymer is used for sample binding, then the sample can be released easily through light irradiation, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The photodegradable polymer provides multiple functions: it binds the biological sample during transport, serves as a protective matrix, and then degrades upon light exposure to release the sample. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining the photodegradable polymer with specific photolabile groups (such as o-nitrobenzyl, o-nitroveratryl, or o-methoxyacetyl groups). This composite approach enables the polymer to exhibit both binding and light-responsive degradation properties, achieving easy sample release without requiring complex multi-component systems.
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 photodegradable polymer enables efficient capture and release of trace biological samples without degrading them, allowing for increased recovery and ease of analysis.
Implementation Method 1
The biological sample may adhere to the cellulose fibers of the cotton swab or pad
Implementation Method 2
irradiating the sample binding surface and the bound biological sample using light emitted from a light source to initiate degradation of the photodegradable polymer
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A method includes providing a biological sample, providing a sample collection device, wherein the sample collection device includes a sample binding surface including a photodegradable polymer configured to bind the biological sample, contacting the biological sample with the sample binding surface of the sample collection device, and irradiating the sample binding surface and the bound biological sample using light emitted from a light source to initiate degradation of the photodegradable polymer of the sample binding surface to cause release of the biological sample.