Rotational Nucleic Acid Test Device with Integrated Microfluidics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current small-sized nucleic acid testing devices are expensive, require complex equipment and professional skills, have low detection sensitivity, longer testing times, and lack flexibility and resource efficiency, making them unsuitable for self-detection and remote areas.
Innovation Solution
A compact, low-cost test device integrating nucleic acid sampling, purification, isothermal amplification, and immunochromatography, using a nucleic acid adsorption membrane and filter paper storage slot, with two rotations to transfer samples for amplification and detection, allowing for free-falling reagent addition without extra drainage facilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional large-scale equipment is used for nucleic acid testing, then detection sensitivity and accuracy are improved, but device size and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional modules: a sample treatment chamber for nucleic acid extraction, a sample reaction chamber for isothermal amplification, and a test chamber for detection. Each chamber performs a specific function, allowing the system to achieve high detection sensitivity through specialized optimization of each segment while keeping the overall device compact and suitable for portable use.
2Measurement precision
If complex equipment is used for nucleic acid amplification and detection, then detection sensitivity is improved, but operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs a self-driving microfluidic system where samples and reagents automatically flow through the chambers via capillary action and pressure differential mechanisms. The system performs self-regulation of fluid transfer between chambers without requiring external pumps or complex control systems, enabling users with minimal training to operate the device while maintaining high detection sensitivity through automated precise fluid handling.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functions are integrated into a single compact device: nucleic acid extraction in the sample treatment chamber, isothermal amplification in the sample reaction chamber, and immunochromatographic detection in the test chamber. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate equipment for each step, reducing operational complexity while maintaining detection sensitivity through optimized inter-chamber fluid transfer.
3Measurement precision
If standard laboratory equipment is used, then testing accuracy is improved, but portability and adaptability to remote areas decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates a rotatable sample reaction chamber that can be dynamically positioned to control fluid transfer between chambers. This dynamic mechanical design enables the system to maintain testing accuracy through precise control of sample and reagent flow while being portable enough for use in remote areas and field conditions without requiring stable laboratory infrastructure.
4Extent of automation
If microfluidic diversion components are used for sample transfer, then automation is improved, but susceptibility to environmental factors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device replaces complex electronic microfluidic diversion components with a simpler mechanical rotation system for the sample reaction chamber. This mechanical approach provides automated sample transfer through gravity-driven flow and pressure differential when the chamber is rotated, while being less susceptible to environmental factors such as temperature fluctuations and humidity that affect electronic control systems, thereby improving reliability in field conditions.
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 device provides accurate, rapid, and sensitive nucleic acid testing with reduced operational complexity, enabling self-detection and use in various settings without professional training, while improving detection sensitivity and resource utilization.
Implementation Method 1
nucleic acid is absorbed by a nucleic acid adsorption membrane
Implementation Method 2
the excessive sample flows into a filter paper storage slot
Implementation Method 3
isothermal amplification and testing of nucleic acid
Implementation Method 4
testing result reading by immunochromatography
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a test device for nucleic acid, including a sample treatment chamber, a sample reaction chamber and a test chamber which are disposed from top to bottom successively. The functions of sampling, nucleic acid purification, isothermal amplification and testing result reading by immunochromatography are integrated onto a device to prepare a simple and cute test device for nucleic acid; the device can achieve nucleic acid testing only by two rotations and can ensure that each sampling or reagent adding can reach the target area in a free falling way without any extra drainage facility. The present invention has lower costs, more convenient operation, high detection sensitivity, short time required in nucleic acid testing, and can be used for nucleic acid testing of various samples, such as human and animals.