Preloaded Analysis Module with Barrier Material for Reagent Release
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
PCR-based assays are tedious, time-consuming, prone to contamination, and labor-intensive due to the need for precise reagent handling and storage, especially for temperature-sensitive reagents in clinical diagnostics and biotechnology processes.
Innovation Solution
Preloaded analysis modules with a chamber containing a barrier material immiscible with aqueous media, capable of releasing reagents upon activation, allowing for controlled and efficient reagent delivery during chemical reactions, such as PCR, minimizing user intervention and optimizing reaction conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If reagents are stored at low temperatures to maintain stability, then reagent stability is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to required refrigeration equipment and careful handling procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms reagents from liquid to dried form, fundamentally changing the physical state parameter. This allows reagents to be stored at ambient temperatures without refrigeration, eliminating the need for complex cooling equipment while maintaining stability. The dried reagents can be readily reconstituted when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary drying of reagents before storage, removing the need for continuous refrigeration. The reagents are prepared in advance in a stable dried state, and only require simple reconstitution with water or buffer when needed for the reaction, greatly simplifying the storage system.
2Stability of the object's composition
If reagents are thawed and introduced into the PCR chamber just prior to the reaction, then reagent stability is maintained, but loss of time and productivity worsen due to additional preparation steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary drying of reagents directly in the PCR chamber or on the reaction plate before storage. This eliminates the time-consuming steps of thawing and transferring reagents from separate storage containers, as they are already in the correct location in a stable dried state and can be quickly reconstituted.
3Measurement precision
If precise quantities of reagents are manually handled and introduced into the reaction vessel, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation and productivity worsen due to labor-intensive procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary drying of precise reagent quantities directly in the final reaction chamber or on the reaction plate. This eliminates the need for separate measuring, aliquoting, and transferring steps, reducing both labor and contamination risk while maintaining precision through direct deposition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple steps (reagent storage, precise measurement, and chamber introduction) into a single integrated dried reagent format. The reagents are dried directly in the reaction chamber or on the plate, merging storage and delivery functions into one simple component.
4Measurement precision
If multiple reagents are stored and handled separately to maintain precise quantities, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen due to multiple storage and handling procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple reagent storage and handling operations into a single dried reagent format that can be stored indefinitely at ambient temperature. The precise quantities are established during the drying process, and all reagents can be stored together in a simple container without separate refrigerated storage for each reagent.
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 efficient, controlled, and minimally invasive reagent release for PCR and other reactions, reducing contamination risks and labor, while maintaining reagent stability for extended storage and ensuring optimal reaction conditions, thus improving the efficiency and reliability of PCR-based assays.
Implementation Method 1
the barrier material being capable of being activated so as to release material disposed within the barrier material
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are preloaded analysis modules comprising reagents disposed within a barrier material capable of liberating the reagents, at a time advantageous to a reaction scheme, when exposed to certain activation conditions or reagents. Also disclosed are related methods for analyzing samples with such modules.