Micro scale flow through sorbent plate collection device

Abstract

In the invention, a collection device includes a first micro scale plate having a sorbent surface and a through hole. The through hole provides for the passage of an analyte fluid flow through the plate, and it has a volume and geometry to provide contact between the fluid and the sorbent surface in an amount effective to absorb a sufficient amount of analyte for subsequent detection of the analyte. The sorbent surface can be provided by a sorbent coating such as an active sensing film, e.g. a conducting or optically active material, examples of which include conducting polymers, polymer / carbon composites, carbon nanotubes, and dye-containing materials. The analyte collection device preferably includes a heating source, e.g. a heating element formed from a resistive trace, or a plurality of resistive traces, on or within the first microscale plate, for effecting a thermal release of collected analyte from the plate.

Description

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS AND PRORITY CLAIM [0001] This application is related to co-pending provisional application Ser. No. 60 / 477,032, filed on Jun. 10, 2003. Priority is claimed from that provisional application pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 119. [0002] This application is also related to the application entitled MICRO SCALE FLOW THROUGH SORBENT PLATE COLLECTION DEVICE, filed on even date herewith.STATEMENT OF GOVERNMENT INTEREST [0003] This invention was made with Government assistance under NRL grant No. N00173-02-2-C002. The Government has certain rights in this invention.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0004] A field of the invention is analyte collection. The invention is useful, for example, in analyte detection and analysis systems and methods, as might be used for the collection, detection and analysis of a wide range of vapors or gases, particulate and liquid bound analytes. Another field of the invention is analyte storage and delivery. The invention is useful, for example, t...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The invention is about a device that can collect and detect analytes. It includes a small plate with a surface that can absorb the analyte and a hole for fluid to flow through. The plate has a heating source to release the collected analyte. The device can have multiple plates with different surfaces to direct fluid flow and can be controlled by a microcontroller. The technical effect is a more efficient and precise method for collecting and detecting analytes."

Problems solved by technology

Constructing a portable field instrument for the collection, storage, concentration, and possibly on-site analyte analysis, also presents challenges.

The pressure drop associated with this sort of device is typically too high for high flow applications and requires higher power consumption.

If the amount of adsorbent is minimized to allow higher flows or faster desorption, the dynamic range is compromised.

However, the inventors have recognized drawbacks in the known prior devices.

One limitation of known prior devices is the reliance upon a flow arrangement where fluid flow during collection is generally passed over the sorbent in a direction generally parallel to its surface.

Increasing contact between the analyte fluid flow and the sorbent in the collection area would require creating a turbulent flow, a difficult task given the practical requirements including, for example, constraints such as a limitation on the amount of pressure drop.

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