Automated Lysis Apparatus with Planetary Gear Vial Holder
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for sample lysis, such as vortexing and bead milling, are inefficient and require multiple instruments, manual operation, and struggle with high G-forces, limiting the ability to perform simultaneous steps like heating and mixing effectively, especially with viscous biological samples.
Innovation Solution
An automated apparatus with a rotating disc and vial holder system that uses a planetary gear mechanism to maintain constant vial orientation, allowing coordinated control of rotation speed and temperature, enabling efficient lysis through vortexing, grinding, and heating without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional vortexers and bead mills are used for sample lysis, then mechanical grinding and mixing can be achieved, but the processing time is substantial and efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple lysis functions (vortexing, bead milling, heating, cooling) into a single integrated instrument. The vial holder can simultaneously perform mechanical agitation and temperature control, eliminating the need to transfer samples between separate devices and significantly reducing processing time while maintaining high lysis efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument is designed as a universal platform that can perform multiple lysis methods (vortexing, bead milling, sonication) and temperature treatments (heating, cooling, incubation) within a single device. This multi-functionality allows comprehensive sample preparation without requiring multiple specialized instruments, thereby improving productivity and reducing time loss
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple instruments are used for sequential lysis steps, then different processing conditions can be achieved, but manual operation is required and throughput is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument integrates multiple processing capabilities (different agitation modes, temperature ranges, bead milling functions) into a single automated platform. The control system can programmatically sequence these different processing conditions without manual intervention, providing both versatility in processing conditions and full automation, thereby eliminating the need to manually operate multiple separate instruments
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument features automated sample handling and processing sequence control. Once programmed, the system autonomously executes the lysis protocol, adjusting agitation speed, temperature, and timing without requiring operator intervention for each step. This self-service capability increases automation extent while maintaining the ability to provide diverse processing conditions through programmable sequences
3Productivity
If high acceleration and deceleration speeds are used in bead milling, then collision forces increase and lysis efficiency improves, but mechanical stress and G-forces become excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument employs dynamic control of the vial holder, enabling rapid acceleration and deceleration cycles that generate high collision forces between beads and sample during brief intervals. The system dynamically adjusts motion parameters to maximize lysis efficiency during active milling phases while minimizing mechanical stress during transitions, optimizing the balance between productivity and mechanical stress through controlled dynamic operation
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 achieves efficient and automated sample lysis with improved acceleration and deceleration, reducing processing time and increasing throughput by integrating heating and mixing steps, while maintaining balanced masses to prevent mechanical stress and enhance sample handling.
Implementation Method 1
An automated apparatus with a rotating disc and vial holder system that uses a planetary gear mechanism to maintain constant vial orientation
Implementation Method 2
The lysis is used for subsequent isolation of biomolecules... Due to the rapid acceleration and deceleration steps, these beads generate a physical impact force on the sample material
Implementation Method 3
at least one heating device which is configured to heat the sample within the vial in the vial holder to at least one determined incubation temperature
Implementation Method 4
at least one cooling device which is configured to cool the sample to at least one determined temperature
Implementation Method 5
Due to the rapid acceleration and deceleration steps, these beads generate a physical impact force on the sample material and 'grind' or 'mill' it into smallest particles
Implementation Method 6
On a cellular level, cell walls are cracked under such acceleration, deceleration, impact and shear forces
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for a lysis procedure, in particular for an automated and/or controlled lysis procedure of a sample, in particular a biological sample. The apparatus comprises at least one rotation disc (31), at least one vial holder (90) which is configured to receive a vial (100), wherein the vial holder (90) is arranged on the disc (31), at least one driving device (20) which is configured to rotate the disc (31) and the vial holder (90), at least one heating device (60) which is configured to heat the sample to a determined incubation temperature, and - at least one control device (70) which is configured to control the driving device (20) and/or the heating device (60) by means of a timing and/or step control, and/or - at least one transmitting device (80) for inductive coupling for energy and signal transmission, which is configured to transmit the energy for heating to the heating device (60), and/or - wherein the driving device (20) is configured to rotate the disc (31) in a first direction (A1) and/or with a first speed, and to rotate the vial holder (90) in a second direction (A3) and/or with a second speed. The apparatus and the method are adapted for an (automated) lysis procedure, wherein the lysis can be carried out in a safe, efficient and effective manner.