Capillary Array Electrophoresis Laser Focusing Refractive Index
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Solution Overview
Problem
Capillary-array-electrophoresis devices struggle to perform parallel electrophoresis analysis when the refractive index of the separation medium is between 1.33 and 1.41, as the multiple laser-beam focusing mechanism fails, limiting the number of capillaries that can be simultaneously irradiated and analyzed.
Innovation Solution
A capillary-array-electrophoresis device with a laser-light source and optical system that adjusts light intensities and uses a computer to process and output processed light intensities, allowing for analysis with separation media of varying refractive indices, including those as low as 1.33, by optimizing capillary geometry and irradiation techniques to maintain convex lens action and reduce reflection losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the refractive index of the separation medium is between 1.33 and 1.41, then the device can analyze various separation media, but the multiple laser-beam focusing mechanism fails and the number of capillaries that can be simultaneously irradiated decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the refractive index parameter of the separation medium to be 1.33 or lower, which fundamentally alters the optical properties of the capillary system. This parameter change enables the capillary to function as a convex lens again, restoring the multiple laser-beam focusing capability while maintaining compatibility with various separation media through the use of formamide-based solutions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional separation media with refractive index 1.33-1.41 are used, then the device maintains compatibility with standard media, but the convex lens action of capillaries is lost and laser beam focusing fails
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the refractive index parameter of the separation medium to 1.33 or lower, which restores the convex lens action of the capillary. This parameter change is achieved by using formamide-based separation media instead of conventional aqueous buffers, thereby recovering the laser beam focusing capability while maintaining analytical functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces formamide as an intermediary substance in the separation medium. Formamide serves as a mediator that enables the refractive index to be lowered to 1.33 or below, which in turn restores the optical focusing property of the capillary without requiring changes to the capillary structure itself.
3Reliability
If the refractive index of the separation medium is lowered to 1.33 or below, then the convex lens action is restored and multiple laser-beam focusing functions, but the separation medium composition must be changed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameter of the separation medium by using formamide-based solutions instead of conventional aqueous buffers. This composition change enables the refractive index to be lowered to 1.33 or below, restoring the multiple laser-beam focusing function while maintaining the ability to perform electrophoretic separations.
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 efficient electrophoresis analysis of various separation media, expanding the device's application range and improving throughput and cost-effectiveness by ensuring consistent fluorescence intensity across capillaries, even with low refractive index media.
Implementation Method 1
each capillary acts as a convex lens, and the laser beam is repeatedly focused along the array plane
Implementation Method 2
the laser beam is incident from the side of the array plane to simultaneously irradiate a plurality of capillaries is called a multiple laser-beam-focusing technique
Implementation Method 3
due to reflection losses of the laser beam at the interfaces between the medium outside the capillaries and the capillary
Implementation Method 4
a plurality of capillaries made of quartz glass is filled with an electrophoretic separation medium such as an electrolyte solution, an electrolyte solution containing a polymer gel, or a polymer
Implementation Method 5
Laser-induced fluorescence emitted from each of the capillaries is spectrally dispersed and simultaneously detected
Data Source
AI summary
When laser-irradiation portions of N capillaries with capillary numbers n=1, 2, . . . , and N are arranged on a same plane, a laser-irradiation intensity of each capillary is denoted by L(n), and an output intensity of each capillary by a computer when a light emitting substance having an equal concentration exists inside each capillary is denoted by H(n), an absolute value of an average value of a second derivative of H(n) becomes smaller than an absolute value of an average value of a second derivative of L(n) for any refractive index n3 of a separation medium in a range of 1.33≤n3≤1.41 by digital correction by the computer, which changes according to the refractive index n3 (see FIG. 11).