Modules for transferring magnetic beads, automated system comprising the same and method for nucleic acid extraction using the same
Inventors
Lee, Seung Jae • HONG, Seong Sik • Kim, Young Wook
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12188954-B2
Publication Date
2025-01-07
Expiration Date
Abstract
The present invention relates to novel modules for transferring magnetic beads, an automated system comprising the same and a method for extracting nucleic acids using the same. The specifically designed magnet module and cover module of the present invention can be employed in the automated liquid handling apparatus by means of pre-existing moving modules (e.g., pipettor module) of the apparatus. The present invention enables a bead transfer-type method for extracting nucleic acids to be performed in an automated manner on the automated liquid handling apparatus. The present invention provides advantages of higher level of automation, more reduced cost and no need for another separate liquid handling apparatus compared to the conventional bead transfer-type method usually performed in the small apparatus designed to be used only for this bead transfer-type method. Also, the present method has the merits of more shortened reaction time compared to the conventional liquid transfer-type method.
Core Innovation
The invention provides an automated system for extracting nucleic acids from a sample using magnetic beads. The automated system includes a first moving module and a magnet module, and a second moving module and a cover module, where the magnet module is moved from a first position to a second position and the cover module is moved from a third position to a fourth position.
The magnet module includes a rod comprising a magnetic force-generating material for collecting magnetic beads, a rod-supporting part connected to the rod, and a first coupling part on the rod-supporting part configured to couple the rod-supporting part and the first moving module. The cover module comprises a tube for guiding the rod when the rod is inserted and moves up and down in the tube, a tube-supporting part connected to the tube, and a second coupling part configured to couple the tube-supporting part and the second moving module.
The rod of the magnet module is insertable into the tube of the cover module, and the first moving module or the second moving module is configured to move in up and down directions, in left and right directions, and in back and forth directions. This mechanical interaction between the magnet module and the cover module enables repeated rod/tube movement during an automated nucleic-acid extraction workflow using magnetic beads.
Claims Coverage
Independent claim clm-00001 defines an automated system with four inventive features. Dependent claims refine coupling behavior and movement, and narrow the system to an automated liquid handling apparatus with preparation of reaction reagents for nucleic acid extraction or amplification.
Automated nucleic-acid extraction system with magnet and cover modules
An automated system for extracting nucleic acids from a sample by using magnetic beads, comprising a first moving module for coupling with a magnet module and moving the magnet module from a first position to a second position; and a second moving module for coupling with a cover module and moving the cover module from a third position to a fourth position.
Magnet module with rod for collecting magnetic beads
The magnet module including a rod comprising a magnetic force-generating material for collecting magnetic beads; a rod-supporting part connected to the rod; and a first coupling part on the rod-supporting part configured to couple the rod-supporting part and the first moving module.
Cover module with tube guiding up-down rod movement
The cover module comprising a tube for guiding the rod when the rod is inserted into the tube and the inserted rod moves up and down in the tube; a tube-supporting part connected to the tube; and a second coupling part on the tube-supporting part configured to couple the tube-supporting part and the second moving module.
Rod insertion into tube with multi-directional motion
Wherein the rod of the magnet module is insertable into the tube of the cover module, and the first moving module or the second moving module is configured to move in the up and down directions, in the left and right directions and in the back and forth directions.
Overall claim coverage is anchored on an automated nucleic-acid extraction system using magnetic beads that relies on a rod inserted into a tube between a magnet module and a cover module, with coupling to first and second moving modules and movement in up/down, left/right, and back/forth directions. Dependent claims further specify automatic coupling behavior and multi-axis movement while narrowing the system to an automated liquid handling apparatus and an application to preparing reaction reagents for nucleic acid extraction or nucleic acid amplification.
Stated Advantages
Higher automation without additional separate bead-transfer device.
Reduced reagent waste/cost.
Compatibility with pre-existing moving modules.
Shorter reaction time versus liquid-transfer workflows.
Documented Applications
Automated nucleic-acid extraction using magnetic beads.
Preparing reaction reagents for nucleic acid extraction or nucleic acid amplification.
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