Self-Preserving Biodegradable eDNA Filter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current field sampling methods for environmental DNA face challenges in preserving DNA samples, including contamination risks, logistical issues with cold storage, and inefficiencies in handling and processing, which can lead to DNA degradation and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A self-preserving environmental DNA filter cartridge made of hydrophilic plastic that desiccates samples after collection, eliminating the need for filter membrane transfer steps, chemicals, or cold storage, and is designed for easy access and reduced contamination risks, using a pull-tab mechanism and integrated with a water suction system for efficient sampling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If filter cartridges are transferred to chemical preservatives or cold storage to preserve DNA, then DNA viability is maintained, but contamination risk increases and logistical complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter cartridge performs self-preservation through an integrated desiccant that automatically removes moisture from the captured environmental DNA sample without requiring external chemical preservatives or cold storage. The desiccant material within the cartridge passively absorbs moisture, maintaining DNA viability while eliminating contamination risks associated with manual transfer to preservative containers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the filtration function and preservation function into a single integrated cartridge system. The desiccant material is incorporated directly into the filter cartridge structure, allowing simultaneous filtration of environmental DNA and automatic desiccation preservation without requiring separate preservation steps or additional containers.
2Reliability
If filter cartridges are manually handled and transferred to preservative vials, then DNA preservation is achieved, but time consumption increases and contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter cartridge automatically preserves the environmental DNA sample through its integrated desiccant without requiring manual intervention. The desiccant material passively absorbs moisture from the sample as water flows through the cartridge during field collection, eliminating the need for technicians to manually transfer filters to preservative vials and significantly reducing processing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The desiccant material is pre-loaded into the filter cartridge before field use, performing the preservation action continuously during the sampling process itself. This preliminary action of moisture removal occurs automatically as water passes through the cartridge, eliminating the need for subsequent manual preservation steps.
3Reliability
If cold storage is used to preserve environmental DNA samples, then DNA viability is maintained, but logistical complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The filter cartridge performs self-preservation through an integrated desiccant that automatically removes moisture from the captured environmental DNA sample without requiring external chemical preservatives or cold storage. The desiccant material within the cartridge passively absorbs moisture, maintaining DNA viability while eliminating contamination risks associated with manual transfer to preservative containers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the preservation parameter from temperature-based (cold storage) to humidity-based (desiccation). By using desiccant material that absorbs moisture at ambient temperatures, the system maintains DNA viability without requiring controlled cold conditions, significantly simplifying logistical requirements for field sampling operations.
4Ease of operation
If traditional filter cartridges are used without desiccation, then sampling is simple, but DNA degradation occurs during storage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the filtration function and preservation function into a single integrated cartridge system. The desiccant material is incorporated directly in the filter cartridge structure, allowing simultaneous filtration of environmental DNA and automatic desiccation preservation without requiring separate preservation steps or additional containers.
Solution Approach 2:
The desiccant material continuously absorbs moisture from the environmental DNA sample throughout the entire sampling and storage process. This continuous desiccation action maintains DNA stability over extended periods at ambient temperatures, eliminating the need for intermittent cold storage or manual preservation interventions.
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 self-preserving filter cartridges effectively maintain DNA viability at ambient temperatures, reducing contamination risks and logistical challenges, and are biodegradable, making them a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution for field sampling.
Implementation Method 1
a hydrophilic plastic capable of absorbing any remaining moisture in the package and assisting in the preservation of the environmental DNA
Implementation Method 2
a desiccating filter cartridge that when used in conjunction with a water suction system can function to both concentrate environmental DNA particulates from water samples and allow for the automatic preservation of the captured environmental DNA via desiccation
Data Source
AI summary
An inline filter housing with a biodegradable, hydrophilic material that operates in conjunction with a field sampling apparatus to both concentrate field sampled environmental DNA particles from water samples and to automatically preserve the captured DNA via desiccation, thus avoiding filter membrane transfer steps, chemicals or cold storage preservation requirements. The hydrophilic filter housing is capable of rapidly preserving the field sampled environmental DNA captured on the filter membrane at ambient field temperatures.