Sequencer Pretreatment Device for Automated Nucleic Acid Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sequencing methods for large-scale base sequence analysis are limited by manual intervention, high risk of contamination, and inefficiencies in nucleic acid amplification, requiring specialized technicians and labor-intensive processes, which hinder the automation and cost-effectiveness of genetic analysis in clinical settings.
Innovation Solution
A sequencer pretreatment device and method that automates nucleic acid extraction, fragmentation, and amplification using magnetic particles and a dispenser system, incorporating a microplate and cartridge design with controlled temperature and optical measurement for quality evaluation, reducing manual handling and contamination risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual extraction and monitoring of nucleic acid fragments is performed, then quality control can be achieved, but labor consumption increases and contamination risk arises
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-monitoring through automated optical detection that measures nucleic acid fragment characteristics without requiring manual intervention. The detection unit automatically analyzes fragments in the reaction vessel, eliminating the need for researcher intervention while maintaining quality control.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual extraction and monitoring operations are replaced by an automated dispensing system with optical detection. The mechanical manual handling is substituted by robotic dispensing tips and optical measurement systems that automatically monitor nucleic acid fragments.
2Reliability
If manual extraction and electrophoresis monitoring is performed, then quality control can be achieved, but specialized technique is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-monitoring through automated optical detection that measures nucleic acid fragment characteristics without requiring manual intervention. The detection unit automatically analyzes fragments in the reaction vessel, eliminating the need for researcher intervention while maintaining quality control.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual extraction and monitoring operations are replaced by an automated dispensing system with optical detection. The mechanical manual handling is substituted by robotic dispensing tips and optical measurement systems that automatically monitor nucleic acid fragments.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual handling is used for nucleic acid processing, then flexibility is maintained, but cross contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
A disposable tip acts as an intermediary between the researcher and the nucleic acid sample. The tip can be easily replaced and disposed of after use, preventing cross-contamination while maintaining processing flexibility. The tip mediates all contact between the external environment and the sterile reaction vessel.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses disposable tips that are discarded after single use. These inexpensive, single-use components eliminate cross-contamination risks between samples while maintaining the flexibility to process multiple different nucleic acid samples sequentially.
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 solution enables efficient, automated, and high-accuracy processing of nucleic acid samples, reducing labor and contamination risks, and facilitating reliable amplification and analysis without increasing device scale, thus enhancing the scalability and cost-effectiveness of genetic analysis.
Implementation Method 1
mixing and stirring, and a magnetic unit capable of exerting and removing a magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
an optical measuring instrument for measuring an optical state in the capillary
Data Source
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AI summary
With respect to a sequencer pretreatment device and a method thereof, an object is to provide reliable pretreatment for analyzing a large-scale base sequence. Using is a sequencer pretreatment device including a suction and discharge mechanism, a nozzle head having a nozzle for detachably mounting a dispensing tip, a container group for accommodating various liquids including magnetic particle suspension, a moving mechanism for causing the nozzle relative movement with respect to the container group, and a magnetic unit capable of exerting a magnetic field to the mounted dispensing tip, the method is configured to include an extraction step of mixing a sample, extraction reagent solution, and magnetic particle suspension in the container group and extracting nucleic acid, a fragmentation producing step of fragmentating the nucleic acid by mixing with fragmentation solution accommodated in the container group and producing, from the fragmentated nucleic acid, a fragment of a base sequence having the number of bases corresponding to a sequencer using magnetic particle suspension using the sequencer pretreatment device, and an amplification pretreatment step of dispensing a predetermined volume of solution containing the produced fragment into the reaction vessel using the sequencer pretreatment device.