Disposable Porous Nib for Passive Nucleic Acid Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laboratory-based nucleic acid extraction methods are complex and require equipment not compatible with clinical settings, and certain reagents used in sample preparation can interfere with downstream diagnostic techniques like PCR amplification.
Innovation Solution
A disposable device with a porous nib configuration that absorbs and releases biological samples through capillary action and gravity, eliminating the need for pressure to flush buffer liquids, reducing the risk of aerosol generation and interference with PCR amplification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If laboratory-based extraction methods are used to obtain high concentrations of high purity nucleic acid, then the quality and quantity of nucleic acid is improved, but the complexity of the extraction process and the requirement for specialized equipment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts only the essential function of nucleic acid collection from complex laboratory procedures. The porous nib captures sufficient nucleic acid directly from clinical samples through simple absorption, eliminating the need for complex extraction protocols while providing adequate material for PCR testing.
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs a disposable porous nib that can be discarded after single use. This eliminates the need for expensive, complex laboratory equipment and extensive cleaning/sterilization procedures, making high-quality nucleic acid collection accessible in point-of-care settings.
2Ease of operation
If simple filter paper is used to capture nucleic acid, then the simplicity of the process is improved, but certain reagents may interfere with downstream PCR amplification
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a porous nib with controlled porosity and surface properties that selectively absorb nucleic acids while excluding interfering reagents. The porous structure provides sufficient surface area for nucleic acid capture but maintains compatibility with downstream PCR amplification by preventing contamination with inhibitory substances.
3Productivity
If pressure is applied to flush buffer liquid through the nib, then the release of sample from the nib is improved, but the risk of aerosol generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of forcing buffer through the nib using pressure, the invention inverts the approach by allowing capillary action and gravity to naturally draw the buffer through the porous structure. This passive flow mechanism achieves effective sample release without the aerosol-generating forces associated with pressurized flushing.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical pressure-based flushing system with a passive capillary action system. The porous nib's capillary forces naturally drive buffer flow through the matrix, eliminating the need for pressurized mechanical systems that generate harmful aerosols.
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 device efficiently collects and processes biological samples for nucleic acid analysis, providing sufficient nucleic acid for diagnostic tests while minimizing interference with PCR amplification and reducing the complexity of sample preparation, making it suitable for point-of-care settings.
Implementation Method 1
a porous nib which can be retained within a sampling device, which can resemble for example a pen. One such device is described in US Patent Application Publication US 2016/0349153, which describes a device having a housing containing a sintered porous matrix in the form of a porous nib which can absorb a liquid sample through capillary action.
Implementation Method 2
We have determined that a particular nib configuration allows for effective release of sample from the nib without the need to actively flush a buffer liquid through the nib by applying pressure.
Data Source
AI summary
Described is a disposable device for collection and processing of biological samples, particularly for the purpose of DNA and RNA analysis procedures. The device includes (a) a hollow tip comprising first and second generally cylindrical sections and having first and second openings at first and second ends of the tip, wherein the second section and second opening have a smaller diameter than the first section and first opening, and wherein the first section and first opening are configured to removably attach to a sampling instrument; and (b) a porous nib having a working surface at a first end exposed or exposable for acquiring a biological sample, a porous structure suitable for the absorption of biological sample matter thus acquired, and for the passage of liquid through the nib; and a washing surface at a second end for application of a wash fluid to the nib. Also described is the use of polyvinylpyrrolidone, chlorhexidine, or citral as functionalising agents within the porous nib to aid release of nucleic acids without inhibiting subsequent sample processing.