Universal Substrate for Automated Biomolecule Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for isolating biological molecules, such as proteins and nucleic acids, are time-consuming, labor-intensive, and often specific to particular molecules, making them impractical for clinical or field applications.
Innovation Solution
An automated system and method for isolating biological molecules using a universal substrate that reversibly adsorbs multiple types of molecules, combined with a fluid-control system that selects appropriate solutions for binding and extraction, facilitating fast and adaptable isolation in a single, automated analysis unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional purification procedures are used, then biomolecules can be isolated, but the process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The purification process is divided into distinct functional modules including a lysis module for cell disruption, a capture module with substrate for molecule binding, and an elution module for release. This segmentation allows each module to perform its specific function efficiently and enables automated operation, reducing overall purification time while maintaining effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-preparing lysis solutions, capture substrates, and elution buffers before the actual purification process. The automated fluid delivery system pre-positions these reagents, and the process controller pre-configures the sequence of operations, eliminating setup time during the actual purification and increasing productivity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional purification techniques are used, then specific molecules can be isolated, but the methods are specific to particular molecules and require multiple preparation steps
Solution Approach 1:
The capture substrate is designed with universal binding capabilities that can isolate multiple types of biomolecules including proteins, nucleic acids, and other biological molecules through a single platform. The system uses universal lysis solutions and elution methods that work across different molecule types, eliminating the need for molecule-specific preparation procedures while maintaining isolation effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The capture substrate acts as an intermediary between the complex sample matrix and the target biomolecules. It provides a universal interface that can bind different types of molecules through common mechanisms, simplifying the overall process by mediating the interaction between diverse biomolecules and the purification system without requiring molecule-specific protocols.
3Reliability
If multiple preparation steps are performed, then isolation purity can be achieved, but the process becomes impractical for clinical or field applications
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple preparation steps are merged into a single integrated automated process. The lysis, capture, washing, and elution steps that traditionally required separate manual operations are combined into one continuous automated workflow controlled by a single interface. This merging maintains the reliability of each individual step while dramatically simplifying operation for clinical and field use.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service through automated reagent delivery, automated washing sequences, and automated elution processes. The fluid delivery system automatically manages reagent addition and removal, and the process controller automatically optimizes timing and conditions, eliminating the need for manual intervention while ensuring consistent, reliable isolation results.
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
Enables rapid and efficient isolation of target biomolecules in a field setting, reducing the need for multiple preparation steps and allowing for downstream applications like amplification and sequence analysis, while being adaptable for clinical or laboratory use.
Implementation Method 1
a universal substrate configured to reversibly adsorb a plurality of types of biological molecules
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present techniques provide systems and methods for isolating particular classes of biological molecules, for example, proteins or nucleic acids, from mixtures of biological components. The methods use solutions that react with the biological molecules to enhance their adsorption by substrates, allowing contaminants to be washed away from the targeted molecules. Embodiments include automated systems that can be used to implement the technique with no or minimal intervention. Other embodiments include separation column technologies that may be used in the techniques.