Vessel Cap With Nested Cavity For Multi-Stage PCR
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current nucleic acid amplification techniques, such as PCR, face challenges in speed and sensitivity, particularly in infectious disease detection and bio-defense applications, with increased risk of false positives due to contamination from opening reaction tubes during multi-stage processes.
Innovation Solution
A cap for a vessel that allows multi-stage nucleic acid amplification reactions to be performed without exposing the contents to the outside environment, maintaining a closed system by adjusting between fluidic isolation and coupling positions to minimize contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If nested PCR is used to improve sensitivity, then detection sensitivity is improved, but the risk of contamination and false positives increases due to opening reaction tubes during multi-stage processes
Solution Approach 1:
The cap contains a nested internal cavity that houses reagents for the second amplification stage. This nested structure allows the cap to store multiple reaction components in a compact arrangement, enabling the second stage reagents to be added to the vessel without opening the tube during the first stage reaction, thus maintaining closed conditions while performing nested PCR
Solution Approach 2:
The reagents for the second amplification stage are pre-loaded into the cap's internal cavity before the reaction begins. This preliminary action allows the system to be prepared in advance so that when the first stage completes, the second stage reagents are already in position and can be added without contaminating the closed reaction environment
2Adaptability or versatility
If reaction tubes are opened during multi-stage PCR to add reagents, then multi-stage amplification can be performed, but contamination from the outside environment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cap serves as an intermediary component between the external environment and the closed reaction tube. It provides a sealed interface that allows reagents to be transferred into the tube without breaking the closed system, thereby enabling multi-stage reactions while preventing environmental contamination
Solution Approach 2:
The cap's nested cavity structure allows it to contain second stage reagents while maintaining the sealed state of the reaction tube. This nested design enables the cap to function as both a seal and a reagent reservoir, eliminating the need to open the tube during reagent addition
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention provide a cap for a vessel for performing a multi-stage process for analyzing a sample, such as nested PCR or RT-PCR. In one embodiment, the cap comprises a body configured to be mated to the vessel to enclose a vessel interior, a cap cavity for holding reagents, and a cap cavity control portion that is adjustable with respect to the body between a first-stage position in which the cap cavity is enclosed and fluidicly isolated from the vessel interior and a second-stage position in which the cap cavity is fluidicly coupled with the vessel interior.