Sample holder for prismatic analytical instrument

Abstract

The invention relates to a removable sample holder for an analytical instrument or apparatus utilizing a prism. For example, the sample device of the present invention may be used in surface plasmon resonance (SPR) spectroscopy devices, plasma-waveguide resonance (PWR) spectroscopy devices, and other spectroscopy devices using prisms known to those skilled in the art. The invention also relates to a method of using the same. A sample holder device (100) includes a prism holder (200) and a sample holder (300). Unlike conventional SPR and PWR instruments with built-in sample chambers, the sample holder device (100) of the present invention provides separate sample chambers that can be easily removed and replaced. Furthermore, the sample holder device (100) of the present invention allows a user to manufacture a customized sensor chip by allowing easy replacement of the prism.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a removable sample holder for a prism-based analytical instrument (such as surface plasmon resonance (SPR) spectroscopy and plasmon-waveguide resonance (PWR) spectroscopy), and a method of using the removable sample holder. Background Art

[0002] There are many analytical instruments that utilize a prism to analyze a sample. Exemplary prism-based analytical instruments include, but are not limited to, surface plasmon resonance (SPR) spectroscopy and plasmon-waveguide resonance (PWR) spectroscopy. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) is a resonance phenomenon that occurs through the interaction between free electrons on a metal surface and an electromagnetic wave (light). SPR is a useful technique for observing small changes in the refractive index (RI). It is a powerful optical detection technique that allows for the real-time observation of label-free molecular interactions. Thus, SPR has been widely applied in fields including life sciences, electrochemistry, chemical vapor detection, food and environmental safety, chemical and biological sensing, drug development, materials science, etc. Some of the key detections that can be performed or observed using SPR are the binding, kinetics, affinity, specificity, and concentration of a desired ligand, without the need for any labels.

[0003] Plasmon-waveguide resonance (PWR) is also a variant that utilizes surface plasmon resonance of a prism. Compared to SPR, PWR has several advantages. Specifically, the typical signal peak in PWR is almost an order of magnitude narrower than a comparable SPR. Additionally, PWR utilizes waveguide modes, while SPR uses surface plasmon modes. PWR also allows for the use of two polarized lights, while SPR only utilizes one polarized light, and PWR provides the possibility of measuring the optical anisotropy of a thin layer of material on a surface and determining the orientation of molecules with high resolution. This is one of the reasons why PWR is ideal for studying molecular interactions that occur in anisotropically oriented thin films (such as those in cell membranes).

[0004] The classical implementation through which SPR is performed is referred to as the Kretschmann configuration. Briefly, in a general propagating surface plasmon resonance sensor, a prism is used to introduce light into a glass substrate. The sensor chip (usually including a glass substrate coated with a conductor) and the prism need to be tightly attached to a thin film or a matching oil. Sensors using surface plasmon resonance include propagating surface plasmon resonance sensors and local surface plasmon resonance. For example, the principle of a propagating surface plasmon resonance sensor is described in U.S. Patent No. 7,839,508.

[0005] In typical prism-based analytical instruments (such as SPR, PWR, etc.), a prism is used to introduce light into a glass substrate. Conventional PWR systems do not use disposable sensor chips. Instead, it uses a metal-coated prism and directly introduces the sample into the prism surface. Therefore, in a conventional PWR system, after each test, the sample compartment and the coated prism need to be removed for cleaning.

[0006] Some conventional SPR, PWR, etc. systems that directly introduce the sample into the prism surface require cleaning the prism and the sample compartment after each test to avoid cross-contamination. In conventional PWR instruments, the cleaning of the prism and the flow path is typically done manually and is time-consuming. Cleaning the prism and the sample compartment also requires shutting down the instrument and disassembling the instrument. This makes the system inefficient and impractical for high-frequency applications.

[0007] Prism-based analytical instruments (such as SPR, PWR, etc.) with disposable sensor chips typically use optical glue to ensure maximum light coupling between the prism and the sensor chip. This has many drawbacks. First, applying the optical glue is an additional operation step that requires appropriate techniques to ensure consistent quality. This introduces additional variables that may affect the test results. Second, cleaning the optical glue increases the complexity of the system design and the operation workflow. Third, adding the operation of the glue to ensure proper coupling increases the complexity of the system design and makes the system larger. Other drawbacks of conventional SPR systems include but are not limited to: (1) the sample compartment and the flow path are fixed in the instrument and can only be cleaned through the built-in sample flow system, which cannot thoroughly clean the flow path; and (2) over time, residues will accumulate and may affect performance. Therefore, most existing SPR systems require frequent maintenance to clean the flow system (e.g., weekly or monthly).

[0008] Generally, all conventional prism-based analytical instruments need to be completely shut down and different components disassembled for cleaning and maintaining the sample chamber and the prism. This is both time-consuming and laborious.

[0009] Therefore, there is a need for a sample holder device or apparatus that can be easily cleaned and / or repaired without causing long instrument downtime. Summary of the Invention

[0010] Some aspects of the present invention are based on the inventors' development of a device or apparatus that can be simply loaded into a prism-based analytical instrument (e.g., a PWR or SPR system) as a sample compartment. In some embodiments, unlike conventional PWR or SPR systems that require gluing the prism and the sensor chip before operation, the sample holder device or apparatus of the present disclosure does not require any optical glue and can be easily replaced. Thus, the device of the present invention simplifies the operation workflow and improves the test efficiency. In addition, by eliminating the additional glass slides used in most SPR instruments, the device of the present invention also simplifies the design of SPR or PWR instruments, e.g., by eliminating the need to worry about the coupling between the sensor chip (e.g., the glass slide) and the prism.

[0011] Some aspects of the present invention provide a sample holder device (100) that is adapted for surface plasmon resonance (SPR) spectroscopy, plasmon-waveguide resonance (PWR) spectroscopy, or any prism-based analytical instrument. The sample holder device (100) of the present invention includes a sample holder (300) that is optionally removably coupled to a prism holder (200). The sample holder (300) includes:

[0012] A prism holder engagement area (302);

[0013] A prism compartment (304) that includes:

[0014] A first protrusion (324) that is adapted to hold a prism (400)

[0015] Within the prism compartment (304); and

[0016] At least one second protrusion (328A) that is adapted to hold the prism (400) within the prism compartment (304);

[0017] A fluid inlet port (308A);

[0018] A fluid outlet port (308B); and

[0019] An annular groove (340) that is adapted to receive an annular seal to prevent fluid leakage from the sample holder (300) when the sample holder (300) is mated with the prism (400).

[0020] The prism holder (200) includes a top portion (204) and a bottom portion (208), and the bottom portion (208) includes a slot-shaped opening (212) that is adapted to allow insertion of a prism (400) during operation and hold the prism (400) in place.

[0021] In some embodiments, the prism holder (200) further includes a fluid inlet / outlet notch or slot-shaped opening (224) that is adapted to allow access to the fluid inlet port (308A) and the fluid outlet port (308B) of the sample holder (300) when the prism holder (200) mates with the sample holder (300).

[0022] However, in other embodiments, the sample holder (300) further includes complementary engagement elements (332). Still in other embodiments, the prism holder (200) further includes engagement elements (220) that are configured to engage or mate with the complementary engagement elements (332) of the sample holder (300), thereby engaging or mating the prism holder (200) with the sample holder (300). In some cases, one of the engagement elements (220) and the complementary engagement elements (332) is a protrusion and the other is a channel that is adapted to receive and mate with the protrusion.

[0023] In additional embodiments, the prism holder (200) further includes an instrument engagement or mating groove (216) that is adapted to engage or mate with a prism-based analytical instrument. This mating of the prism holder (200) with the instrument allows a test sample to be held in place without any manual or external mechanism.

[0024] Still in other embodiments, the prism holder (200) further includes a slot-shaped opening (212) that is adapted to allow insertion of a prism during operation and hold the prism in place.

[0025] However, in other embodiments, the sample holder device (100) further includes a seal (312) removably inserted within the annular cavity (340). The presence of this seal (312) prevents leakage of the fluid sample into the interface between the sample holder device (300) and the prism (400).

[0026] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a sample holder device (100) that includes a prism holder (200) operatively attached to a sample holder (300). In this aspect of the invention, the prism holder (200) includes:

[0027] Top portion (204);

[0028] Bottom portion (208), the bottom portion (208) including a slot-shaped opening (212) adapted to permit insertion of a prism (400) during operation and to hold the prism (400) in place; and

[0029] Engagement element (220);

[0030] And the sample holder (300) includes:

[0031] A prism holder engagement area (302) including complementary engagement elements (332) such that the engagement element (220) and the complementary engagement elements (332) are configured to engage the prism holder (200) to the sample holder (300);

[0032] A prism compartment (304) including:

[0033] A first protrusion (324) adapted to hold the prism (400)

[0034] Within the prism compartment (304); and

[0035] At least one second protrusion (328A) adapted to hold the prism (400) within the prism compartment (304);

[0036] A fluid inlet port (308A);

[0037] A fluid outlet port (308B); and

[0038] An annular groove (340) adapted to receive an annular seal (312) to prevent fluid leakage from the sample holder (300) when the sample holder (300) is mated with the prism (400).

[0039] In some embodiments, the prism holder (200) further includes an instrument engagement or mating groove (216) adapted to engage or mate with a prism-based analytical instrument.

[0040] However, in other embodiments, one of the engagement element (220) and the complementary engagement elements (332) is a protrusion and the other is a channel adapted to receive the protrusion, thereby engaging or mating the prism holder (200) to the sample holder (300).

[0041] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for analyzing a test sample using a prism-based analytical instrument that uses any of the sample holder devices or apparatuses disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the method includes:

[0042] Placing a prism (400) into a prism compartment (304) of the sample holder device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the prism (400) is coated with a metal thin film, and wherein the metal thin film includes binding molecules;

[0043] Placing the sample holder device (100) onto the prism-based analytical instrument;

[0044] Adding the test sample to the sample chamber (330) via a fluid inlet port (308A); and

[0045] Analyzing the test sample using the prism-based analytical instrument.

[0046] In some embodiments, the prism-based analytical instrument is surface plasmon resonance (SPR) spectroscopy or plasmon-waveguide resonance spectroscopy. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] Figure 1 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a sample holder device (100) of the present invention including a prism holder (200) and a sample holder (300).

[0048] Figure 2A is a side view of an embodiment of the sample holder device (300) of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 2B is a perspective view of an embodiment of the sample holder device (300) of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 2C is a front view of an embodiment of the sample holder device (300) of the present invention.

[0051] Figure 2D is a rear view of an embodiment of the sample holder device (300) of the present invention.

[0052] Figure 2E is a top view of an embodiment of the sample holder device (300) of the present invention.

[0053] Figure 2F is a bottom view of an embodiment of the sample holder device (300) of the present invention.

[0054] Figure 3Is a cutaway top view of an embodiment of a sample holder device (100), where a prism holder (200) cooperates with a sample holder (300).

[0055] Figure 4A Is a perspective view of an embodiment of a prism holder (200) of the present invention.

[0056] Figure 4B Is a top view of an embodiment of a prism holder (200) of the present invention.

[0057] Figure 4C Is Figure 4B A cross-sectional view of the prism holder (200) along line A-A.

[0058] Figure 4D Is Figure 4B A cross-sectional view of the prism holder (200) along line B-B. Detailed Description

[0059] The present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which help illustrate the various features of the present invention. In this regard, the present invention relates to a sample holder device for a spectroscopic instrument or apparatus. The sample device of the present invention is applicable to any instrument or spectroscopic device that utilizes a prism and electromagnetic radiation, such as but not limited to plasma-waveguide resonance (PWR) spectroscopy and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) spectroscopy. That is, the present invention generally relates to a sample holder device for an analytical instrument that requires a prism and a sample chamber. For clarity and brevity, the present invention will now be described with reference to a sample holder for an SPR spectroscopic device. However, it should be understood that the scope of the present invention is not limited to the sample holder for an SPR spectroscopic device. In fact, as described above, the methods and devices of the present invention can generally be used in any device that requires a prism (including but not limited to a PWR spectroscopic device), where the prism is operably connected or attached to a sample chamber. The discussion of the sample holder used in an SPR device is provided merely for the purpose of illustrating the practice of the present invention and does not constitute a limitation on the scope of the present invention.

[0060] In Figures 1 - 4D A specific embodiment of a sample holder for SPR or PWR is generally shown. It should be understood that this specific embodiment of the present invention is provided merely for the purpose of illustrating the practice of the present invention and does not constitute any limitation on the scope of the present invention.

[0061] As Figures 1 - 4DAs shown, a sample holder device (100) for a plasma-waveguide resonance (PWR) spectroscopic apparatus or surface plasmon resonance (SPR) spectroscopy includes a prism holder (200) and a sample compartment base or sample holder (300), the prism holder (200) being adapted to hold a prism (400) in place. Although not shown, a handle may also be present that is attached or removably attached to the prism holder (200). The handle may be attached or removably attached to the prism holder (200) at an optionally present handle attachment hole (202).

[0062] Unlike the device disclosed in co-owned U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 738,903 (‘903 application), titled “Sample Holder for Surface Plasmon Resonance and Plasma-Waveguide Resonance Devices,” filed on May 6, 2022, the sample holder device of the present disclosure does not include a sample injection port. Thus, unlike the device disclosed in the ‘903 application, a sample to be tested is introduced through a fluid inlet port (308A). It should be understood that either port 308A or 308B can be an inlet port as long as the other port is used as an outlet port. Thus, eliminating the need for a separate sample injection port device greatly simplifies the overall manufacturing process, time, and cost.

[0063] Specifically referring to Figures 2A - 2F , the sample compartment base or sample holder device (300) includes a prism compartment (304). The prism compartment (304) allows the prism (400) to be placed within the sample holder (300). The sample holder (300) also includes a fluid inlet port (308A) and a fluid outlet port (308B). As described above, the fluid inlet port and the fluid outlet port can be interchanged. A test sample can be introduced via the fluid inlet port (308A). To prevent leakage, the fluid inlet port (308A) and the fluid outlet port (308B) can be equipped with a sealing gasket ( Figure 1 element 316) (e.g., a diaphragm, or other sealing device). The sample holder (300) may also include an annular groove (340) that interfaces with the prism (400). This allows the sample introduced through the fluid inlet port (308A) to be in close contact with the prism (400), thereby allowing the desired analysis to be performed by a prism-based analytical instrument. To prevent any leakage of fluid within the interface between the prism (400) and the sample holder (300), the annular groove (340) can be fitted with a sealing gasket (312). The sealing gasket can be a seal, such as an O-ring (312)( Figure 1 ) or other device that can be inserted into the annular cavity (340) to provide a sealing device between the prism (400) and the sample holder (300).

[0064] The fluid inlet port (308A) of the sample holder (300) can also be used to introduce a solution to the interface between the prism (400) and the sample holder (300). The fluid outlet port (308B) allows the removal of the solution. The sample holder (300) also includes a prism holder compartment (304) and a protrusion (324) that is adapted to hold the prism in place during operation. The protrusion (324), together with the prism holder (200), helps to hold the prism (400) in place during operation. In some embodiments, the sample holder (300) includes at least one other protrusion (328A and / or 328B) that is adapted to further assist in holding the prism (400) within the prism compartment (304).

[0065] In some embodiments, the sample holder (300) also includes complementary engagement elements (332) that help the sample holder (300) to firmly mate or engage with the prism holder (200). The complementary engagement elements (332) provide a means for guiding and properly positioning and seating or engaging the prism holder (200) onto the sample holder (300).

[0066] The sample holder device (100) also includes a prism holder (200), Figures 4A - 4D . The prism holder (200) may also include a handle that can be permanently or removably attached, for example, to a handle hole (202). The prism holder (200) includes a top portion (204) and a bottom portion (208), and the bottom portion (208) includes a grooved opening or notch (212) that is adapted to allow the insertion of the prism (400) and hold the prism (400) in place during operation. The prism holder (200) also includes a fluid inflow / outflow notch or grooved opening (224) on opposite sides of the prism holder grooved opening (212). The fluid inflow / outflow notch 224 allows the attachment of a solvent or fluid distribution system. The fluid inflow / outflow notch (224) allows access to the fluid inlet port (308A) and the fluid outlet port (308B) of the sample holder (300). In this way, a fluid such as a test sample solution, solvent, buffer solution, or cleaning solution can be introduced to the interface between the prism (400) and the sample holder (300). The fluid inlet port (308A) and the fluid outlet port (308B) of the sample holder (300) may be recessed relative to the back side of the sample holder (300). This allows the insertion of a seal, such as an O-ring or other sealing means (316) known to those skilled in the art (see Figure 1 ), to ensure a tight seal between the sample holder (300) and the inflow and outflow of the solution.

[0067] In some embodiments, the prism holder (200) includes a mating element (220) configured to mate with or engage a complementary mating element (332) of the sample holder (300). The mating element and the complementary mating element provide for easy alignment and a means for securely mating or engaging the prism holder (200) to the sample holder (300). In some embodiments, the mating element (220) is a protrusion and the complementary mating element (332) is a channel. However, it should be understood that the mating element (220) and the complementary mating element (332) can be reversed, i.e., the complementary mating element (332) is a protrusion and the mating element (220) is a channel. It should also be understood that the mating element (220) and the complementary mating element (332) need not be a protrusion and a channel. They can be any mechanism known to one of ordinary skill in the art that allows for the mating or engagement of two devices. Additionally, the prism holder (200) can be attached to the sample holder (300). For example, by placing anti-slip elements within the prism holder (200) and / or the sample holder (300), the amount of travel or movement of the prism holder (200) relative to the sample holder (300) can be restricted. In this way, the prism holder 200 is prevented from being completely removed or separated from the sample holder 300.

[0068] However, in other embodiments, the prism holder (200) can further include a sample holder guide channel or groove (216) adapted to mate with a sample placement holder of a PWR or SPR device (not shown). This allows one to secure the sample holder device (100) within the PWR or SPR device during operation.

[0069] The sample holder device (100) can be loaded or placed as a sensor chip in a PWR or SPR device. In short, the sample holder device (100) is loaded or placed on the PWR or SPR device to begin testing. Different from conventional sample holders, the sample holder device (100) of the present invention does not require an optical adhesive. This simplifies the operation workflow and increases the testing efficiency. Additionally, the sample holder device (100) of the present invention eliminates the need for an additional sample slide used in most SPR instruments, thereby further allowing for the simplification of the instrument design as there is no need to worry about the coupling between the sample slide and the prism.

[0070] The sample holder device (100) includes a sample holder (300) having an integral sample chamber (330) and fluid flow paths (i.e., fluid inlet port 308A and fluid outlet port 308B). A test sample can be introduced through the fluid inlet port (308A), or a test sample can be introduced via a sample injection port that is part of a PWR or SPR device. It can be seen that when a new sample holder device (100) is loaded into a PWR or SPR device, some parts of the sample flow path (i.e., the fluid inlet port and the fluid outlet port) are replaced, thus significantly reducing the possibility of cross - contamination from a previous test sample. This design also significantly reduces the maintenance requirements for the PWR or SPR device or instrument flow path and reduces downtime. In addition, the sample holder device (100) of the present invention simplifies the system design. For example, using the sample holder device (100) of the present invention eliminates the complex hardware and software designs for cleaning PWR or SPR instruments.

[0071] In most conventional SPR and PWR instruments or devices, the sample flow path is built into the instrument and can only be cleaned by a flushing process run by the built - in sample flow system. Such a process cannot thoroughly clean the flow path. Over time, tiny remnants of previous test samples will accumulate and affect the performance and / or results of SPR or PWR analysis. Therefore, most conventional SPR and PWR instruments require frequent maintenance to thoroughly clean the flow system (e.g., weekly or monthly). Since the sample holder device (100) of the present invention can be completely disassembled, it is possible to thoroughly clean each component of the unit (e.g., using an ultrasonic cleaning facility, etc.). This simple maintenance allows the sample holder device (100) of the present invention to be reused and significantly reduces the potential remnants from previous test samples. The ability to reuse the sample holder device (100) significantly reduces the cost per test.

[0072] In addition, since the sample holder device (100) of the present invention can be easily assembled and disassembled, each component of the unit can be individually removed for cleaning or maintenance. This makes the sample holder device (100) of the present invention reusable and extends the life of the device. Even when some components of the sample holder device (100) wear out after multiple cleaning cycles (e.g., the prism may need to be recoated), simply replacing that specific component instead of replacing the entire device significantly reduces the total cost and downtime of the SPR or PWR device. In addition, by allowing only the components that need to be replaced to be replaced, the sample holder device (100) of the present invention is also more environmentally friendly compared to conventional SPR or PWR instruments.

[0073] In addition, the ease of assembly / disassembly also provides flexibility in sample testing applications. The prism (400) can be easily removed, and the surface of the prism (400) can be pre-treated (e.g., fixing a specific antigen on the surface) before testing for different application purposes. This makes this chip (i.e., the prism (400)) more flexible and can be used for a wide variety of different applications. The currently state-of-the-art sensor chips used in SPR are pre-coated at the manufacturing stage. This pre-coating during the manufacturing process makes it quite difficult to remove the slide from the sensor chip for additional surface treatment once the chip is manufactured. This prevents the user from customizing the treatment of the sensor chip.

[0074] Integrating the coated prism (400) as a unit separate from the sample holder (300) makes it possible to use the sample holder device (100) as a disposable device. In addition, the sample holder guide channels or grooves (216) present in the sample holder device (100) make it easy to load the sample holder device (100) into or unload it from an SPR or PWR instrument.

[0075] A part of the sample flow path (e.g., the fluid inlet port 308A and the fluid outlet port 308B respectively) is integrated into the sample holder device (100) via the sample holder (300). Since the sample holder (300) can be easily removed and replaced from the sample holder device (100), it can be changed from one sample test to another. This eliminates the need to clean the fluid flow paths associated with the fluid inlet port 308A and the fluid outlet port 308B respectively.

[0076] The sample holder device (100) of the present invention is designed to allow the prism (400) to be easily positioned and locked for sample testing. This design makes the prism (400) easy to remove and replace.

[0077] For purposes of illustration and description, the foregoing discussion of the present invention has been presented. The foregoing is not intended to limit the present invention to one or more forms disclosed herein. Although the description of the present invention has included a description of one or more embodiments and certain variations and modifications, other variations and modifications are also within the scope of the present invention, e.g., as may be within the skill and knowledge of those in the art after understanding the present disclosure. It is intended to obtain the rights to alternative embodiments within the allowed scope, including those alternative, interchangeable, and / or equivalent structures, functions, scopes, or steps, whether or not such alternative, interchangeable, and / or equivalent structures, functions, scopes, or steps are disclosed herein, and not intended to disclose any patentable subject matter. All references cited herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Claims

1. A sample holder device (100) adapted to be used in surface plasmon resonance (SPR) spectroscopy, plasmon-waveguide resonance (PWR) spectroscopy, or any prism-based analytical instrument, the sample holder device (100) including a sample holder (300) optionally removably connected to a prism holder (200), wherein, (i) the sample holder (300) includes: a prism holder engagement area (302); a prism compartment (304) including: a first protrusion (324) adapted to hold a prism (400) within the prism compartment (304); and at least one second protrusion (328A) adapted to hold the prism (400) within the prism compartment (304); a fluid inlet port (308A); a fluid outlet port (308B); and an annular groove (340) adapted to receive an annular seal to prevent fluid leakage from the sample holder (300) when the sample holder (300) mates with the prism (400); and (ii) the prism holder (200) includes: a top portion (204); and a bottom portion (208) including a slit opening (212), the slit opening (212) being adapted to allow insertion of the prism (400) during operation and to hold the prism (400) in place.

2. The sample holder device (100) according to claim 1, wherein, the prism holder (200) further includes a fluid inflow / outflow notch or slit opening (224) adapted to allow access to the fluid inlet port (308A) and the fluid outlet port (308B) of the sample holder (300) when the prism holder (200) mates with the sample holder (300).

3. The sample holder device (100) according to claim 1, wherein, the sample holder (300) further includes a complementary engagement element (332).

4. The sample holder device (100) according to claim 3, wherein, the prism holder (200) further includes an engagement element (220) configured to engage or mate with the complementary engagement element (332) of the sample holder (300) to thereby engage the prism holder (200) with the sample holder (300).

5. The sample holder device (100) according to claim 4, wherein, one of the engagement element (220) and the complementary engagement element (332) is a protrusion and the other of the engagement element (220) and the complementary engagement element (332) is a channel adapted to receive the protrusion.

6. The sample holder device (100) according to claim 1, wherein, the prism holder (200) further includes an instrument engagement or mating groove (216) that is adapted to engage or mate with the prism-based analytical instrument.

7. The sample holder device (100) according to claim 1, wherein, the prism holder (200) further includes a slot-shaped opening (212) that is adapted to allow insertion of a prism during operation and hold the prism in place.

8. The sample holder device (100) according to claim 1, further comprising a seal (312) removably inserted into the annular cavity (340).

9. A sample holder device (100) for plasmon-waveguide resonance (PWR) spectroscopy, surface plasmon resonance (SPR) spectroscopy, or any prism-based analytical instrument, the sample holder device including a prism holder (200) operatively attached to a sample holder (300), wherein, (i) the prism holder (200) includes: a top portion (204); a bottom portion (208) that includes a slot-shaped opening (212) adapted to allow insertion of a prism (400) during operation and hold the prism (400) in place; and an engagement element (220), (ii) the sample holder (300) includes: a prism holder engagement area (302) that includes a complementary engagement element (332) such that the engagement element (220) and the complementary engagement element (332) are configured to engage the prism holder (200) to the sample holder (300); a prism compartment (304) that includes: a first protrusion (324) adapted to hold the prism (400) within the prism compartment (304); and at least one second protrusion (328A) adapted to hold the prism (400) within the prism compartment (304); a fluid inlet port (308A); a fluid outlet port (308B); and an annular groove (340) adapted to receive an annular seal (312) to prevent fluid leakage from the sample holder (300) when the sample holder (300) is mated with the prism (400).

10. The sample holder device (100) according to claim 9, wherein, the prism holder (200) further includes an instrument engagement or mating groove (216) that is adapted to engage or mate with the prism-based analytical instrument.

11. The sample holder device (100) according to claim 9, wherein, One of the engaging element (220) and the complementary engaging element (332) is a protrusion, and the other of the engaging element (220) and the complementary engaging element (332) is a channel adapted to receive the protrusion.

12. A method of analyzing a test sample using a prism-based analytical instrument, the method comprising: placing a prism (400) into the prism compartment (304) of the sample holder device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the prism (400) is coated with a metal thin film, and wherein the metal thin film comprises binding molecules; placing the sample holder device (100) onto the prism-based analytical instrument; adding the test sample to the sample chamber (330) via the fluid inlet port (308A); and analyzing the test sample using the prism-based analytical instrument.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein, the prism-based analytical instrument is surface plasmon resonance (SPR) spectroscopy or plasmon-waveguide resonance spectroscopy.

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