Systems and Methods for Mobile Device Analysis of Nucleic Acids and Proteins

Abstract

One aspect of the invention provides a system for rapid analysis of biological samples. The system includes: a mobile device that receives at least one integrated chip. The mobile device processes the integrated chip to analyze a biological sample loaded thereon. The mobile device and the integrated chip together are configured to perform at least one of manipulation and control of a molecule or a fluidic system on the integrated chip. The mobile device and integrated chip together are configured to precision control at least one parameter that governs at least one of a plurality of steps of the analysis of the biological sample to within plus or minus 10%, plus or minus 1%, plus or minus 0.1%, plus or minus 0.01%, plus or minus 0.001% or plus or minus 0.0001%.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION(S)[0001]This application is a continuation of Ser. No. 14 / 202,791, filed Mar. 10, 2014, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 790,354, filed on Mar. 15, 2013. The entire teachings of the above application(s) are incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Detection and analysis of genetic material of a biological organism can be employed for pathogen identification, genotyping, biomarker identification, personalized medicine, companion diagnostics, drug monitoring, and pharmacogenetics. The identity of a species in a biological sample can be ascertained by comparing the nucleic acid present in the sample to the nucleic acid in a known reference sample. Before making this comparison, however, the nucleic acids must be extracted from the sample, amplified, and then detected. Typically, the extraction, amplification, and detection steps take place over the course of hours, days, or weeks in a laboratory or a hospital. ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is a faster, cheaper, and more precise method for detecting and analyzing nucleic acids or proteins in biological samples. It can be implemented in a portable or mobile device and does not require skilled labor or refrigeration. The method can detect and distinguish nucleic acid molecules or proteins from a single biological organism or multiple sources. It is also cost-effective compared to existing diagnostic assays. The invention allows for precise control of various steps in the analysis of the biological sample to within plus or minus 10% accuracy. Overall, the invention provides a faster, cheaper, and more accurate way to detect and analyze biological samples.

Problems solved by technology

The existing methods and devices for extraction, amplification, and detection of nucleic acids are not typically robust enough to be performed in a mobile setting outside a specialized lab infrastructure.

In addition, commercially available devices and methods require skilled labor, running water, and electricity.

Contaminants can inhibit or interfere with the nucleic acid polymerase enzymes used in replication, reducing the efficiency and fidelity of the amplification process.

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