Single-Cell Analysis Container with Vibration-Assisted Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing single cell analysis devices face challenges in efficiently collecting nucleic acids from solid phases like beads due to the need for manual extraction and vibration of flexible chips, leading to prolonged reaction times and potential contamination.
Innovation Solution
A container for single cell analysis is designed with a removable configuration that allows for easy collection of solid phases by applying vibration after the reaction, using a mechanism to fix and remove the container from the device, facilitating quick and accurate nucleic acid treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual extraction and vibration of flexible chips is used to collect solid phases, then nucleic acids can be collected from solid phases, but the process time is prolonged and contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanical vibration to the container bottom to facilitate collection of solid phases (beads). The vibration mechanism is integrated into the container structure, allowing rapid dispensing of beads and efficient collection without manual manipulation, thereby reducing process time and contamination risk while maintaining collection effectiveness.
2Ease of operation
If manual extraction and vibration of flexible chips is used to collect solid phases, then nucleic acids can be collected from solid phases, but the risk of contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The container is designed with self-service features where the vibration mechanism is integrated into the container structure itself. The container performs its own bead dispensing and collection functions without requiring external manual manipulation, thereby reducing contamination risk while maintaining ease of operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If reaction chambers are arranged in series in the plane to prepare nucleic acid samples, then various reactions can be performed, but the device area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from planar arrangement of reaction chambers to a vertical arrangement. Reaction chambers are stacked in the vertical dimension rather than spread out in the plane, allowing multiple reactions to be performed simultaneously while reducing the device footprint. This dimensional change maintains reaction versatility while minimizing device area.
4Ease of manufacture
If a flow path is constructed perpendicular to the surface to increase integration, then device cost is reduced, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the device into distinct functional modules: a container for cell loading and initial processing, and a separate processing device for nucleic acid extraction and analysis. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining the integrated functionality of the vertical flow path design.
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 rapid and efficient collection of nucleic acids, reducing reaction time and minimizing contamination, making it suitable for applications such as gene expression analysis, cell function analysis, and disease diagnosis.
Implementation Method 1
by applying vibration after the reaction
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a container for single cell analysis and a single cell analysis method using the same. The present invention also relates to an automated device for performing single cell analysis using the container for single cell analysis. Specifically, the present invention provides a container for single cell analysis which includes: a reaction substrate including a cell trapping portion on which a cell is trapped, and one or a plurality of microreaction chambers arranged immediately below the cell trapping portion and filled with a solid phase; and a cell holding portion having the reaction substrate as a bottom and configured to hold a solution containing cells.