Reagent Pack Storage and Pipetting for Dual-Format Amplification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing molecular assay systems lack the capability to efficiently perform both thermal cycling and isothermal amplification assays, limiting their versatility and throughput in nucleic acid analysis.
Innovation Solution
A dual-format molecular diagnostic instrument is enhanced with a second module that supports both PCR and isothermal amplification processes, incorporating chemiluminescent and fluorescent detection technologies, and includes a thermal cycler with reagent storage and pipetting systems to automate sample preparation and nucleic acid amplification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single-module molecular assay system is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the versatility and throughput are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal molecular diagnostic instrument that can perform multiple types of nucleic acid amplification assays (thermal cycling PCR and isothermal amplification) within a single device. The system includes a multi-functional reagent storage module that can store different types of reagent packs (bulk and unit-dose) and a thermal cycler that can operate in both thermal cycling mode and isothermal mode, allowing one instrument to replace multiple specialized devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the reagent storage system into separate bulk reagent container compartments and unit-dose reagent pack compartments, allowing independent storage and management of different reagent types. The thermal cycler is segmented into distinct thermal cycling chambers and isothermal amplification chambers, enabling simultaneous or independent operation of different assay types without interference.
2Productivity
If both thermal cycling and isothermal amplification are supported in a single instrument, then throughput is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal cycler is designed as a multi-functional device that can perform both thermal cycling PCR and isothermal amplification assays. The system includes a controller that can automatically select the appropriate thermal profile based on the assay type, and the optical detection system can accommodate both real-time fluorescence monitoring and chemiluminescent detection modes, enabling one instrument to handle diverse amplification requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines bulk reagent storage and unit-dose reagent pack storage within the same instrument housing, allowing seamless integration of different reagent delivery systems. The thermal cycler merges thermal cycling capability and isothermal amplification capability in a single device, with shared components such as the optical detection system and control electronics that can adapt to different assay types.
3Ease of operation
If automated pipetting and sample preparation are implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates automated pipetting mechanisms that can automatically dispense reagents from both bulk containers and unit-dose packs into reaction vessels. The robotic pipetting system integrates with the reagent storage system to automatically select, position, and dispense the correct reagent volumes without manual intervention, reducing operator skill requirements and minimizing contamination risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The unit-dose reagent packs are pre-configured with all necessary reagents in sealed containers, eliminating the need for manual reagent preparation. The system automatically handles the opening, dispensing, and sealing of these pre-prepared packs, performing the complex pipetting and mixing operations in advance during instrument setup rather than during assay execution.
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 enhanced system enables simultaneous performance of thermal cycling and isothermal amplification assays, improving throughput and versatility in nucleic acid analysis, including real-time and end-point formats, within a single automated instrument.
Implementation Method 1
heating the contents of a capped vial containing a reaction mixture
Implementation Method 2
measuring an optical signal from the contents of the vial
Implementation Method 3
incorporating chemiluminescent and fluorescent detection technologies
Implementation Method 4
incorporating chemiluminescent and fluorescent detection technologies
Data Source
AI summary
An automated method for performing an amplification reaction includes the automated steps of combining a fluid sample together with one or more amplification reaction reagents in a reaction receptacle using a first automated pipettor, thereby forming a reaction mixture, transporting the reaction receptacle to a first location of a centrifuge, subjecting the reaction mixture to centrifugation, after subjecting the reaction mixture to centrifugation, removing the reaction receptacle from a second location of the centrifuge different from the first location and placing the reaction receptacle in a thermal cycler, and in the thermal cycler, subjecting the reaction mixture to one or more temperature cycles.