Rotary Plunger Sample Prep Device for Field Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Biological sample preparation in the field is hindered by the need for complex and time-consuming processes, requiring skilled personnel and often resulting in delays, contamination, and sample loss, especially when dealing with pathogenic microorganisms.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable sample preparation device featuring a rotary plunger with a hollow body and sealed reagent modules, allowing for easy mixing of samples with reagents through a membrane piercing mechanism, enabling efficient and portable sample preparation with minimal manual handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual sample manipulation steps are used to transfer sample between reagent chambers, then sample preparation can be performed with simple device structure, but sample loss and contamination increase and preparation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple reagent chambers and sample processing functions into a single integrated cartridge. The cartridge contains multiple chambers (lysis chamber, wash chamber, elution chamber) that are pre-connected with fluid pathways, eliminating the need for manual sample transfer between separate containers. This integration prevents sample loss and contamination while maintaining simple device structure for field use.
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge is pre-assembled with reagents, magnetic beads, and fluid pathways before use. All components are prepared in advance in their correct positions and connections, so that during sample preparation, the user simply needs to load the sample and operate the plunger mechanism without performing any manual manipulation or transfer steps.
2Device complexity
If multiple manual manipulation steps are required for sample preparation, then device structure can be simple, but preparation time increases and skill requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous automated fluid processing through the cartridge chambers using a plunger mechanism. The plunger sequentially applies pressure to move samples and reagents through the pre-connected chambers without interruption. This continuous action eliminates the time-consuming manual transfer steps between chambers while keeping the device structure simple and suitable for field deployment.
3Device complexity
If consumable devices are pre-loaded with specific reagents, then device structure can be simplified, but adaptability to different applications decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sample preparation system into a reusable main device and replaceable consumable cartridges. The main device contains the plunger mechanism and housing, while the cartridges contain the reagents and chambers. This segmentation allows the main device to remain simple in structure while the cartridges can be customized with different reagent configurations for various applications such as DNA extraction, pathogen detection, or other biological assays.
Solution Approach 2:
The main device with its plunger mechanism is designed to be universal and work with multiple types of cartridges. Each cartridge can be configured for different applications by loading appropriate reagents, making the overall system adaptable to various sample preparation needs while maintaining a simple, consistent device structure across all applications.
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
Facilitates rapid, efficient, and contamination-free sample preparation in field or laboratory settings, reducing the need for skilled personnel and minimizing delays, while allowing for flexible reconfiguration and use of different reagents for various applications.
Implementation Method 1
rotating the rotary plunger on the coupling device such that a film of the reagent module is pierced, thus mixing the sample with a substance from the reagent module
Data Source
AI summary
A reconfigurable sample preparation device includes a rotary plunger device having a hollow body and a coupling device, provided above one end of the rotary plunger, and accommodating a sample. The device also includes at least one sealed reagent module. When the rotary plunger is rotated on the coupling device, a film of the reagent module is pierced, mixing the sample with a substance from the reagent module.