Tubular Reaction Unit With Integrated Filter For Nucleic Acid Synthesis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for synthesizing nucleic acids face challenges in large-scale production due to low yields, purification difficulties, and inefficiencies in filtration processes, particularly in industrial settings where high purity and scalability are required, and existing filtration systems are not suitable for thermoregulation and are prone to contamination.
Innovation Solution
A tubular filtration kit with a thermally conductive reaction unit that integrates a filter element within its elongated hollow body, allowing for efficient filtration and thermoregulation, enabling easy automation and reducing the risk of contamination, with features such as a frustoconical shape and removable parts for flexible filter membrane use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional filtration systems are used for nucleic acid synthesis, then purification can be achieved, but the systems are not suitable for thermoregulation and are prone to contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the filtration function and thermoregulation function into a single integrated reaction unit. The filter element is positioned inside the reaction unit's hollow body, allowing both filtration and temperature control to occur within the same device, eliminating the need for separate filtration systems and reducing contamination risk during transfer between systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The reaction unit is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as both a reaction vessel and a filtration device with integrated thermoregulation capability. The hollow body contains both the reaction space and the filter element, enabling the single device to handle reaction, filtration, and temperature control without requiring system changes or transfers.
2Productivity
If multiple separate filtration steps are performed for each nucleotide addition, then purification is achieved, but the process becomes labor intensive and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple filtration operations into a single integrated reaction unit that can perform sequential filtrations without dismantling or system changes. The reaction unit remains in place throughout the synthesis process, allowing rapid sequential filtrations for each nucleotide addition without the time loss associated with transferring samples between separate filtration systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated reaction unit enables continuous synthesis operations without interruption for system changes. The reaction unit remains in the thermocycler throughout the entire synthesis process, allowing sequential nucleotide additions and filtrations to occur continuously without breaking the workflow, thereby significantly reducing total synthesis time.
3Reliability
If manual pipetting is used for reagent addition, then flexibility is maintained, but human error and contamination risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The standardized reaction unit with its uniform hollow body design and integrated filter element creates a consistent interface that can be easily automated. The same reaction unit design can be used across multiple positions in a thermocycler, allowing robotic systems to perform reagent additions without complex adaptation, thereby reducing human error while maintaining operational simplicity.
4Quantity of substance
If existing filtration systems are used, then purification is achieved, but volume constraints and sample evaporation problems occur
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of the filter element within the reaction unit's hollow body eliminates the need to transfer samples between separate filtration systems. This keeps the sample volume contained within the closed reaction unit throughout the filtration process, preventing evaporation losses and maintaining sample integrity while allowing for the necessary purification steps.
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 kit enhances the efficiency and safety of nucleic acid synthesis by allowing for easy integration of filtration steps within the reaction unit, improving reaction conditions and enabling scalable, automated processes while minimizing contamination risks and the need for frequent system changes.
Implementation Method 1
the walls of the hollow body are at least partially made of a thermally conductive material
Implementation Method 2
at least one filter element extending inside the hollow body, the filter element being secured in a sealed to the walls of the hollow body over its complete circumference, leading any fluid flowing from the first opening to the second opening to cross the at least one filter element
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a reaction unit (10) configured to receive a reaction solution or culture media and configured to be placed inside a thermocycler, said reaction unit (10) comprising an elongated hollow body (12) extending along a flowing axis X, the hollow body (12) thus displaying a first opening (14) at its first extremity (16) and a second opening (18) at its second extremity (20). The walls of the hollow body (12) are at least partially made of a thermally conductive material. The reaction unit (10) further comprises at least one filter element (22) extending inside the hollow body (12), the filter element (22) being sealingly secured to the walls of the hollow body (12) over its complete circumference, leading any fluid flowing from the first opening (14) to the second opening (18) to cross the at least one filter element (22).