QMAX Nucleic Acid Hybridization Assay Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional nucleic acid hybridization assays are complex, time-consuming, and require large sample volumes, making them unsuitable for situations where samples are limited or scarce, and often necessitate professional lab setups.
Innovation Solution
The QMAX device employs a compressed regulated open flow (CROF) method using two plates with a hinge for easy operation, allowing for the manipulation of samples into thin layers, reducing sample volume requirements and enabling fast, accurate, and portable nucleic acid hybridization assays that can be performed by non-professionals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If traditional nucleic acid hybridization assays (e.g., Southern Blot) are used, then detection sensitivity is maintained, but the assay time is long (several hours) and sample volume required is large (>100 uL)
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the sample processing into distinct functional zones: a first plate for capturing target nucleic acids and a second plate for detecting them. By segmenting the hybridization process across two separate plates that can be manipulated independently, the assay achieves rapid results with minimal sample volume while maintaining detection sensitivity.
2Ease of operation
If traditional nucleic acid hybridization assays are used, then accurate detection is achieved, but the device complexity and lab setup requirements are high
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential hybridization function from complex laboratory equipment and implements it using simple, inexpensive materials. Two ordinary plates (such as Petri dishes or培养皿) replace sophisticated hybridization chambers, and basic laboratory reagents suffice, eliminating the need for specialized equipment while maintaining assay accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses inexpensive, disposable plates that can be discarded after a single use. This eliminates the need for expensive, complex equipment that requires maintenance and calibration, making the assay accessible to non-professionals and suitable for resource-limited settings while ensuring consistent performance.
3Productivity
If traditional nucleic acid hybridization assays are used, then reliable detection is achieved, but the procedure complexity and labor requirements are high
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges multiple assay steps into a single integrated system. Both capture and detection probes are applied to the same sample on the two plates simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate washing and detection steps required in traditional methods. This consolidation reduces procedural complexity while maintaining reliable detection and increases throughput.
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 QMAX device facilitates rapid and sensitive nucleic acid hybridization assays with minimal sample volume, enhancing assay speed and accessibility while maintaining high detection sensitivity, suitable for various biological samples including whole blood and plasma.
Implementation Method 1
nucleic acid hybridization assay
Implementation Method 2
the detection probe is configured to diffuse into layer of uniform thickness and bind complimentarily to another part the analyte to produce a detectable signal
Implementation Method 3
at least part of the sample deposited is compressed by the plates into a layer of highly uniform thickness
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein is a method and device for performing a homogeneous nucleic acid detection assay. The device can contain a pair of plates where one of the plates comprises (i) surface amplification surface; and (ii) target-specific nucleic acid probes that are immobilized on said amplification surface and that specifically binds to a part of the target nucleic acid; and the second plate comprises a sample contact area comprising a reagent storage site that comprises target-specific nucleic acid detection agents that specifically binds to another part of the target nucleic acid. In some embodiments, the device can be read without a washing unbound label from the surface of the device.