Analyte Preconcentration via Critical Mobility Model
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current preconcentration methods, such as centrifugation, often destroy cells due to high rotational forces, and there is a lack of quantitative correlation between application conditions and preconcentration type in ion concentration polarization (ICP) phenomena, making it difficult to determine and control the preconcentration type of analytes like biomaterials or heavy metals.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a critical mobility model to determine the preconcentration type by calculating critical mobility and comparing it to electrophoretic mobility, allowing for the design of material preconcentration devices to achieve either advection or electro-migration dominant mechanisms, using an ion-selective membrane like Nafion to generate an ion depletion layer and control the preconcentration process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If centrifugation is used for preconcentration, then the concentration of target material is increased, but cells are destroyed due to high rotational force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical centrifugal force system with an electrochemical system based on ion concentration polarization (ICP). Instead of using high rotational forces that destroy cells, the invention uses electric fields to create ion depletion zones at ion-selective membranes, which passively concentrate analytes through electro-migration and advection without mechanical stress on biological samples.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces ion-selective membranes as intermediaries that facilitate analyte concentration. These membranes create ion depletion zones that act as intermediaries between the electric field and the analyte, enabling concentration through electrochemical mechanisms rather than direct mechanical force, thereby preserving cell integrity while achieving preconcentration.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If ion concentration polarization is used for preconcentration, then cell destruction is reduced, but the preconcentration type cannot be determined or controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes quantitative relationships between application parameters (voltage, flow rate, electrophoretic mobility) and preconcentration types. By defining critical mobility as a function of these parameters, the invention enables control and prediction of preconcentration behavior through parameter adjustment, transforming an uncontrollable process into one that can be precisely managed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a feedback mechanism by establishing a critical mobility model that allows prediction of preconcentration types based on measured or known parameters. This quantitative model provides feedback on how operating conditions affect preconcentration behavior, enabling operators to adjust parameters to achieve desired preconcentration types and improve process control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If arbitrary application conditions are used in ICP, then flexibility is increased, but quantitative correlation with preconcentration type is not obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent systematically analyzes how changes in application parameters (voltage, flow rate, electrophoretic mobility) affect preconcentration types by establishing a critical mobility model. This model provides quantitative guidance on how to adjust parameters to achieve specific preconcentration outcomes, transforming flexible but unpredictable operation into controlled and predictable process management.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the precise determination and conversion of preconcentration types, reducing cell destruction and allowing for efficient sample preparation by designing devices that can preset high preconcentration or extraction processes based on dominant mechanisms, thereby optimizing the preconcentration process.
Implementation Method 1
A preconcentration type of the analyte may occur differently depending on whether advection or electro-migration is dominant in the whole diffusion layer
Implementation Method 2
electro-migration caused by an electrophoretic mechanism
Implementation Method 3
advection caused by a flow
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a method of determining a preconcentration type of an analyte and a method of converting a preconcentration type of an analyte. A method of determining a preconcentration type of an analyte, according to an embodiment of the present invention, includes (a) establishing a critical mobility model, (b) calculating a critical mobility by applying a parameter value to the critical mobility model, and (c) determining the preconcentration type of the analyte by comparing the calculated critical mobility to an absolute value of an electrophoretic mobility of the analyte.