Sample Rack and Reagent Holder Layout for Faster PCR Preparation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current diagnostic analyses in the medical diagnostics industry are bottlenecked due to the need for specialized equipment, which is expensive, limited in availability, and often operates in batches, leading to delays and inefficiencies in sample processing, particularly in preparing biological samples for PCR and nucleotide detection.
Innovation Solution
A rack system that allows for the simultaneous preparation of multiple samples and reagents, with reagent holders containing all necessary components for PCR-ready sample preparation, enabling automated or manual processing and minimizing cross-sample contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If specialized equipment is used for diagnostic analyses, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the diagnostic process into separate functional modules: a rack system for sample and reagent organization, a magnetic separator for nucleic acid extraction, and a PCR/detection system. Each module performs a specific function, allowing the complex diagnostic process to be broken down into manageable, less complex components that can be operated independently or in sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The rack system is designed to accommodate multiple sample tubes and reagent holders simultaneously, serving multiple functions: organization, heating, and magnetic separation. This multi-functional design reduces the need for separate specialized equipment for each step of the diagnostic process.
2Device complexity
If batch processing is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from sequential batch processing to parallel processing by arranging multiple sample tubes and reagent holders in a spatial configuration within the rack. Multiple samples can be processed simultaneously in different lanes or positions, effectively adding a spatial dimension to the processing capacity without increasing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Reagents are pre-loaded into holders and samples are organized in tubes before being placed in the rack system. This preliminary preparation allows the actual processing to occur in parallel without requiring complex real-time coordination, maintaining simplicity while increasing throughput.
3Ease of operation
If manual sample preparation is used, then ease of operation is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic separator automatically separates nucleic acids from samples using magnetic fields, eliminating the need for manual centrifugation or filtration steps. The system performs the separation function autonomously once the samples are loaded into the rack, combining ease of operation with increased processing speed.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical separation methods (centrifugation, filtration) are replaced with a magnetic field-based separation system. The magnetic separator uses magnetic fields to capture and separate nucleic acid-bound magnetic beads from the liquid phase, providing faster and more automated processing while maintaining operational simplicity.
4Measurement precision
If multiple reagents are used for sample preparation, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple reagents required for PCR preparation (lysis buffer, binding buffer, wash buffer, elution buffer) are merged into a single integrated reagent holder that can service multiple samples. This consolidation reduces the complexity of managing multiple separate reagent containers while ensuring all necessary reagents are available for accurate PCR detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The reagent holder is designed with multiple compartments or levels that can accommodate different reagents in a vertical or stacked configuration. This spatial organization allows multiple reagents to be stored and dispensed from a single holder unit, reducing horizontal spread and operational complexity while maintaining access to all necessary reagents for precise PCR analysis.
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 rack system facilitates efficient, automated sample preparation in batches, reducing processing time and labor intensity while ensuring stability and correct orientation within diagnostic apparatuses, thereby improving throughput and reducing the need for specialized equipment.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic assembly and a heater assembly, wherein the magnetic assembly is positioned to move into and out of close proximity to one or more process chambers
Implementation Method 2
wherein the magnetic assembly is positioned to move into and out of close proximity to one or more process chambers in the reagent holder, and wherein the heater assembly underlies the process chambers in the reagent holder
Data Source
AI summary
A rack for holding samples and various reagents, wherein the rack may be used for loading the samples and reagents prior to using the reagents. The rack accepts complementary reagent holders, each of which contain a set of reagents for carrying out a predetermined processing operation, such as preparing biological samples for amplifying and detecting polynucleotides extracted from the samples.