Breath Sample Elution Workflow for Faster Aerosol Particle Analysis

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for collecting and analyzing surfactant aerosol particles in exhaled breath are costly and time-consuming, particularly due to the use of large volumes of eluent fluid and the need for evaporation, which limits throughput and analysis capacity.

Innovation Solution

A method and system using a device with transverse baffles to create a zigzag flow path for particle separation, combined with controlled addition of small amounts of eluent fluid, followed by agitation and centrifugation, facilitated by a robotic machine, to reduce eluent use and preparation time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If large volumes of eluent fluid are used for washing collected particles, then complete extraction of particles is achieved, but cost and time of analysis increase due to expensive eluent fluid and time-consuming evaporation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveextraction completenessVSAvoidanalysis time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The washing process is segmented into multiple sequential steps, each using a small amount of eluent fluid (e.g., 100 μl per step). Instead of using one large volume of eluent fluid, the process divides the extraction into several stages with brief intervals between steps, allowing complete particle extraction while minimizing total eluent volume and evaporation time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The eluent fluid addition and removal process is performed periodically in repeated cycles. Each cycle involves adding a small amount of eluent fluid, allowing it to act for a brief period, then removing it. This periodic action maintains extraction effectiveness while significantly reducing the time particles need to remain in contact with eluent fluid, thereby reducing evaporation time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Measurement precision

If large volumes of eluent fluid are used for washing collected particles, then complete extraction of particles is achieved, but cost increases due to expensive eluent fluid

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveextraction completenessVSAvoideluent fluid cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The washing process is segmented into multiple sequential steps, each using a small amount of eluent fluid (e.g., 100 μl per step). Instead of using one large volume of eluent fluid, the process divides the extraction into several stages with brief intervals between steps, allowing complete particle extraction while minimizing total eluent volume and evaporation time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each individual washing step uses a partial amount of eluent fluid that is sufficient for that specific step but would be insufficient if used alone. By applying multiple partial actions sequentially, the cumulative effect achieves complete extraction without requiring a large single volume of expensive eluent fluid.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Measurement precision

If traditional washing methods are used with large volumes of eluent fluid, then particles are extracted, but throughput and analysis capacity are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparticle extractionVSAvoidthroughput

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The washing process is segmented into multiple sequential steps, each using a small amount of eluent fluid (e.g., 100 μl per step). Instead of using one large volume of eluent fluid, the process divides the extraction into several stages with brief intervals between steps, allowing complete particle extraction while minimizing total eluent volume and evaporation time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The multiple washing steps are performed in continuous sequence with minimal idle time between steps. The robotic arm automatically transitions from one washing step to the next without interruption, maintaining continuous useful action throughout the extraction process. This continuity eliminates downtime and maximizes throughput.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

4Measurement precision

If evaporation of large volumes of eluate fluid is performed, then concentrated samples are obtained, but time-consuming evaporation limits throughput

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample concentrationVSAvoidevaporation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The washing process is segmented into multiple sequential steps, each using a small amount of eluent fluid (e.g., 100 μl per step). Instead of using one large volume of eluent fluid, the process divides the extraction into several stages with brief intervals between steps, allowing complete particle extraction while minimizing total eluent volume and evaporation time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The eluent fluid addition and removal process is performed periodically in repeated cycles. Each cycle involves adding a small amount of eluent fluid, allowing it to act for a brief period, then removing it. This periodic action maintains extraction effectiveness while significantly reducing the time particles need to remain in contact with eluent fluid, thereby reducing evaporation time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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

Significantly reduces the amount of eluent fluid required, shortens sample preparation time, and increases throughput, enabling rapid analysis suitable for roadside or workplace testing, with high recovery of aerosol particles and reduced costs.

Implementation Method 1

The change of direction of the airflow separates the heavier aerosol particles in the exhaled air from the air itself. The heavier particles continue in the original flow direction and collide with and attaches to the baffles or the inner wall of the housing, while the air changes direction and follow the labyrinth-shaped flow path.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInertial separation:

Implementation Method 2

the collecting device is inserted into a test tube or vial and an amount of a solvent called an eluent fluid is added to release the particles through the process of elution, i.e. washing.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElution:

Implementation Method 3

centrifuging the receptacle using a centrifuge

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCentrifugal separation: Centrifugal Separation

Data Source

PatentUS20260009703A1Method and system for preparing a breath sample for analysis

Publication Date: 2026.01.08 MUNKPLAST

AI summary

A method for preparing a breath sample for analysis, wherein the breath sample has been collected using a device for collecting aerosol particles in an exhaled airflow; wherein the method comprises the steps: placing the collecting device in a receptacle; adding an eluent fluid onto the collecting device in the receptacle in a quantity smaller than or equal to 20 μl; repeating the adding step one or more times; agitating the receptable using a shaker; centrifuging the receptacle using a centrifuge; and removing the collecting device from the receptacle.