Portable Nucleic Acid Sequencing Kit for Field Metagenomics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current nucleic acid sequencing and analysis systems for metagenomics samples require expensive, bulky, and immobile laboratory equipment with line power and internet connections, making it impractical to sequence and analyze samples in remote or inaccessible field environments without transporting them to a dedicated laboratory.
Innovation Solution
A portable field-deployable nucleic acid sequencing kit that includes a DNA extraction system, sequencing preparation system, and sequencer system, powered by a portable power supply, allowing for DNA extraction, quantification, and sequencing without internet or line power connections, housed within a portable enclosure for field deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If portable field-deployable equipment is used, then mobility and field deployability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional modules: DNA extraction system, sequencing preparation system, and sequencer system, each housed in its own portable enclosure. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently for portability while maintaining overall system functionality in field environments
Solution Approach 2:
The portable equipment is designed to perform multiple functions within a single integrated platform, including DNA extraction, quantification, preparation, and sequencing capabilities, eliminating the need for multiple separate laboratory devices and reducing overall system complexity
2Use of energy by moving object
If line power connection is required, then power stability is improved, but portability and field deployability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
A portable power supply unit serves as an intermediary between the field environment and the power-hungry sequencing equipment, providing stable regulated power output from portable power sources like batteries or portable generators, enabling field deployment without direct line power connection
Solution Approach 2:
The system adapts power consumption parameters by using a centrifuge with variable ramp rates that can operate at different speed profiles depending on available power, and by implementing temperature control through insulated enclosures with heating devices that adjust thermal parameters to match field conditions
3Measurement precision
If samples are transported to laboratory, then analysis accuracy is improved, but turnaround time and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The portable sequencing system creates a functional copy of laboratory-capability equipment that can be deployed directly in the field, bringing laboratory-grade sequencing and analysis capabilities to remote locations without requiring physical sample transport, thereby maintaining analysis accuracy while eliminating transportation time and costs
4Reliability
If samples are transported from field environment, then analysis can be performed, but sample damage or compromise may occur
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of transporting samples from the field environment to the laboratory, the system inverts the approach by bringing the sequencing equipment to the field location, allowing samples to remain in their collection environment and be analyzed in situ, thereby eliminating transportation-related sample damage or compromise
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, real-time analysis of metagenomics samples in field environments, reducing turnaround time and operational costs, and minimizing sample damage or compromise during transportation.
Implementation Method 1
a first centrifuge and a portable power supply, wherein: the first centrifuge is configured to ramp to a target speed at a first ramp rate when drawing power from the portable power supply
Implementation Method 2
a sequencer system including a sequencer device, a heating device positioned external to the sequencing device, and an insulated casing that houses the sequencing device and the heating device
Implementation Method 3
a sequencer system including a sequencer device, a heating device positioned external to the sequencing device, and an insulated casing that houses the sequencing device and the heating device
Data Source
AI summary
A portable kit for nucleic acid sequencing is disclosed, the kit including a DNA extraction system configured to perform a DNA extraction protocol, a DNA sequencing preparation system configured to perform a DNA sequencing preparation protocol, a sequencer system, and a portable enclosure configured to house the DNA extraction system, the sequencer preparation system, and the sequencer system.