Pipette Tip Nucleic Acid Extraction for Fast High-Sensitivity Purification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current nucleic acid extraction methods are time-consuming, complex, and often yield crude samples with insufficient sensitivity, requiring adaptation based on sample type and target cells, complicating integration with downstream processes.
Innovation Solution
A method involving lysis of cells to release nucleic acids, binding to a substrate using non-orbital movement, washing with multiple buffers, and eluting with a high-pH elution buffer in a pipette tip to enhance efficiency and sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If current sample preparation methods are used, then nucleic acids can be extracted, but the process takes long time and involves complex purification steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple extraction steps (lysis, binding, washing, elution) into a single integrated pipette tip system, eliminating the need for separate purification devices and reducing overall process complexity while maintaining high extraction efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The pipette tip is designed as a universal platform that can process various sample types (blood, sputum, urine) and perform all extraction functions within a single device, replacing multiple specialized devices with one multi-functional tool
2Loss of time
If rapid sample preparation methods are used, then turnaround time is reduced, but the extract becomes crude with insufficient detection sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes critical parameters including using high-pH elution buffer (pH 8.0-9.5), controlling incubation temperature (65-95°C), and adjusting buffer compositions to achieve both rapid processing and high sensitivity, allowing fast extraction without sacrificing detection quality
3Productivity
If sample preparation methods are adapted for different sample types, then extraction efficiency improves, but the process becomes more complex and harder to integrate with downstream steps
Solution Approach 1:
The pipette tip system is designed as a universal platform with standardized protocols that can efficiently process various sample types (blood, sputum, urine, swabs) without requiring different devices or complex adaptation procedures, enabling seamless integration with downstream PCR and sequencing workflows
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, universal, and automatable nucleic acid extraction with high yield and sensitivity, suitable for various samples, facilitating quick integration with downstream diagnostics.
Implementation Method 1
introducing the released nucleic acids to a substrate, where the nucleic acids bind to the substrate
Implementation Method 2
eluting the nucleic acids from the substrate
Data Source
AI summary
A method (100) of extracting nucleic acids is disclosed. The method includes receiving a sample containing nucleic acids to be extracted. The method (100) includes lysing cells in the sample to release the nucleic acids. The method (100) also includes introducing the released nucleic acids to a substrate, wherein the nucleic acids bind to the substrate. The method (100) includes washing the substrate bound to the nucleic acids and eluting the nucleic acids from the substrate. The introducing of the released nucleic acids to the substrate. the washing of the substrate bound to the nucleic acids, and the eluting of the nucleic acids are performed in a pipette tip.