Portable RT-PCR Device Using In-Situ Gold Nanoclusters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current genomics and proteomics techniques, such as PCR and microarray analyses, are complex, costly, and often require carcinogenic materials, making them unsuitable for widespread, user-friendly, and cost-effective applications, especially in geographical locations lacking advanced facilities.
Innovation Solution
A portable device integrating a thermocycler and visualization unit for RT-PCR and array-based analyses using in-situ synthesized gold nanoclusters as luminescent agents, which are photostable, non-carcinogenic, and require minimal precursors, allowing for effective visualization and quantification of DNA and protein expressions without separate synthesis or surface modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional PCR and microarray techniques are used for genomics and proteomics analyses, then accurate detection of gene expression is achieved, but the process becomes complex, costly, and requires carcinogenic materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the harmful carcinogenic materials (ethidium bromide, radioactive labels) from the conventional PCR and microarray workflows while maintaining detection accuracy through alternative visualization methods that do not require these dangerous substances
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a unified platform that combines RT-PCR and microarray analyses into a single integrated system, allowing both genomics and proteomics studies to be performed using the same device and methodology, thereby reducing overall process complexity
2Reliability
If conventional PCR and microarray techniques are used, then reliable gene and protein expression analysis is obtained, but expensive reagents and sophisticated instrumentation are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, sophisticated instrumentation with simpler, more affordable equipment that can be manufactured at lower cost, accepting that the system may be less durable or require more frequent replacement, thereby improving cost-effectiveness while maintaining analysis reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical and chemical parameters of the detection system by using non-carcinogenic staining methods and simplified reagent systems, which reduces both the cost of materials and the complexity of instrumentation required
3Measurement precision
If separate synthesis and surface modification of probing molecules are performed, then specific detection is achieved, but the process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates all necessary synthesis and modification steps into the main experimental workflow, performing probe preparation and surface functionalization as integrated preliminary actions within the RT-PCR and microarray protocols, thereby eliminating separate time-consuming steps while maintaining detection specificity
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
Enables accurate, sensitive, and cost-effective genomics and proteomics studies by simplifying the analysis process, eliminating the need for expensive reagents and complex instrumentation, and facilitating the study of multiple genes or proteins simultaneously in a bio-friendly manner.
Implementation Method 1
in-situ synthesized gold nanoclusters as luminescent agents, which are photostable, non-carcinogenic
Implementation Method 2
heating and cooling cycles for the sample supported on any said sample carrier
Implementation Method 3
means for heating and cooling cycles for the sample supported on any said sample carrier
Implementation Method 4
means for heating and cooling cycles for the sample supported on any said sample carrier
Implementation Method 5
UV light source to give source of illumination
Data Source
AI summary
A device with integrated methods for carrying out reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and/or array based analysis involving signal generating agents (gold nanoclusters) comprising a heating and cooling cycle based synthesis selectively with DIMA and protein as templates. The advancement is further directed to a portable device adapted for RT-PCR and array based gene and protein expression analyses based on a common detection agent involving luminescence of in-situ synthesized gold nanoclusters with adaptability for user friendly graphical user interface (GUI) for controlling, visualization and analysis of the data.