Bi-Continuous Chromatographic Matrix for Rapid Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current chromatographic materials face limitations in achieving efficient and rapid separation processes due to the presence of inert substrates that restrict binding capacity and permeability, and the difficulty in controlling pore size and connectivity of convective pores, leading to inadequate fluid distribution and dynamic binding.
Innovation Solution
A self-supporting bi-continuous separation matrix is developed, comprising a self-gelled polysaccharide with small diameter diffusion pores and non-cylindrical large diameter continuously connected convective pores, allowing for efficient transport of molecules and enhanced binding capacity without the need for inert substrates, and optionally reinforced with an inert phase for mechanical stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If inert substrates are used to provide mechanical stability, then structural support is improved, but binding capacity and permeability deteriorate due to restriction of access to binding sites
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the inert substrate component entirely, creating a substrate-free chromatographic material where the polysaccharide gel matrix itself provides both mechanical stability and binding capacity. This extraction eliminates the restriction effect that inert substrates have on fluid flow and access to binding sites.
Solution Approach 2:
The polysaccharide gel matrix is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical structural support, creates convective flow paths for fluid distribution, and offers binding sites for chromatographic separation. This multi-functionality replaces the need for separate inert substrate components.
2Quantity of substance
If convective pores are made larger to improve fluid distribution, then permeability is improved, but pore connectivity and structural integrity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates different pore size regions within the matrix: larger convective pores (5-50 μm) for fluid distribution and smaller diffusive pores (10-500 nm) for molecular separation. This local differentiation of pore qualities allows simultaneous optimization of permeability and structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a bi-continuous composite structure with two interconnected pore networks: a convective pore network for fluid flow and a diffusive pore network for molecular transport. This composite pore structure allows large pores to provide permeability while the interconnected network maintains overall structural connectivity and integrity.
3Productivity
If polysaccharide gel particle size is increased to reduce diffusion distance, then mass transfer efficiency is improved, but convective flow distribution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from relying solely on diffusion (one-dimensional transport within particles) to incorporating convective flow (three-dimensional transport through the matrix). The convective pore network enables fluid to reach binding sites through bulk flow in addition to diffusion, dramatically improving mass transfer efficiency while maintaining good fluid distribution.
4Quantity of substance
If binding capacity is increased to improve separation efficiency, then separation performance is improved, but process time and pressure drop increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures continuous convective flow through the matrix via interconnected large pores, maintaining constant fluid motion and preventing stagnation. This continuous flow action allows high binding capacity to be achieved without increasing process time, as fresh sample continuously reaches binding sites throughout the matrix.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes a highly porous gel matrix structure with high porosity (ε > 0.5) and interconnected pore networks that facilitate rapid convective-diffusive transport. This porous structure allows high binding capacity while maintaining low pressure drops and short process times due to efficient fluid distribution and reduced transport resistance.
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
This approach enables faster and more efficient chromatographic processes with improved accessibility of binding sites, late breakthrough curves, and narrow elution peaks, suitable for diffusion-limited processes involving large proteins and virus particles, while reducing process pressure and fouling propensity.
Implementation Method 1
Chromatography is a general separation technique that uses the distribution of the molecules of interest between a stationary phase and a mobile phase for molecular separation
Implementation Method 2
Polysaccharide gels typically have small diameter diffusion pores in a molecular dimension of about 10 to 500 nm, which may only be reached by components (target substances and/or contaminants) in the mobile phase via diffusion
Implementation Method 3
In order to effectively transport binding components to the gel, a convective phase surrounds the polysaccharide gel, forming an interface between the convective phase and the diffusive gel phase
Implementation Method 4
The separated components are collected or detected at the other end of the column. Adsorbed components may be released in a separate step by pumping an eluant solvent through the column
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a chromatographic material comprising a polymer network material-based self-supporting bi-continuous separation matrix for adsorptive material separation in liquid media, and a method of producing the chromatographic material comprising a polymer network material-based self-supporting bi-continuous separation matrix.