Rotatable PCR Disc Layout for 20+ Target Rapid Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current nucleic acid amplification technologies, such as PCR, are slow due to poor thermal transfer and unoptimized chemistry, and existing systems cannot perform multiplexed analyses of 20 or more targets within 15 minutes, limiting their use in CLIA-waived facilities for rapid diagnostics.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable disc system with integrated PCR reaction chambers and channels, sealed by a thermoplastic material, undergoes rapid thermal cycling and fluorescent detection, enabling ultra-fast real-time PCR for multiplexed nucleic acid analysis by denaturing, annealing, and replicating targets in a series of heating steps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If traditional PCR thermal cycling is used, then nucleic acid amplification is achieved, but the process is slow due to poor thermal transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the thermal cycling process into multiple discrete heating zones along the rotatable disc, with each zone providing a specific temperature step (denaturation, annealing, extension). This segmentation allows simultaneous thermal processing of multiple reaction chambers at different temperatures, dramatically increasing the effective thermal cycling speed compared to sequential heating of a single chamber.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-point thermal cycling approach to a distributed spatial arrangement of heating zones along the rotatable disc. Multiple heating elements are positioned at different angular locations, creating a thermal gradient across the disc radius. This dimensional expansion allows parallel thermal processing and eliminates the sequential bottleneck of traditional PCR systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If PCR sensitivity and robustness are maintained, then accurate detection is achieved, but multiplexing 20+ targets simultaneously is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable disc system is designed with universal reaction chambers that can accommodate multiple primer-probe combinations for different targets. The system uses a standardized platform with interchangeable primers and fluorescent probes that can detect 20 or more different nucleic acid targets simultaneously, maintaining PCR sensitivity through consistent thermal cycling conditions across all targets.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs fluorescent probes with different emission wavelengths (colors) to distinguish between multiple targets. Each target is labeled with a specific fluorophore that emits at a characteristic wavelength, allowing simultaneous detection of 20+ targets through multi-color fluorescence reading. The heating zones are positioned to accommodate this multi-wavelength detection scheme.
3Productivity
If fast thermal cycling is implemented, then amplification time is reduced, but integration with automated sample preparation is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the thermal cycling function with the rotatable disc platform that also handles sample loading and reagent distribution. The disc integrates reaction chambers, fluidic channels, and heating zones into a single unified structure, eliminating the need for separate sample preparation and amplification devices. This consolidation maintains fast thermal cycling while simplifying system integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable disc system performs multiple functions autonomously: it loads samples into reaction chambers, distributes reagents through integrated channels, seals the chambers, and executes thermal cycling through built-in heating zones. The system eliminates the need for external pumps, valves, and separate thermal cyclers, allowing fast amplification through self-contained operation.
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 system achieves rapid PCR amplification and detection of multiple targets in biological samples within 10 minutes, facilitating high-throughput diagnostics with sensitivity and accuracy, suitable for point-of-care applications.
Implementation Method 1
rotating the rotatable disc to bring the plurality of reaction chambers adjacent to a first heating element maintained at a first temperature, thereby denaturing the target nucleic acid in the sample if present
Implementation Method 2
contacting the channel within the rotatable disc with a sealer, thereby sealing the channel and preventing fluid communication between the plurality of reaction chambers after filling
Implementation Method 3
exposing the plurality of reaction chambers to an excitation light of a first wavelength, thereby exciting the fluorescent probe; and measuring an emission light of a second wavelength from the plurality of reaction chambers
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention describes a method and device enabling sample processing, fast polymerase chain reaction amplification, and real-time reading of a large number of targets simultaneously while using a volume of reaction compatible with molecular assays. The present invention can be part of a cartridge allowing sample to answer nucleic acid analytic system (NAAT) or can be used as a stand-alone device.