Capillary Array Sealing to Reduce Fluorescence Detection Noise
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrophoresis devices suffer from noise signals due to Raman scattered light from interposed light transmission media and fluorescence from foreign matter, limiting the detection of small amounts of fluorescence from samples.
Innovation Solution
The electrophoresis device and capillary array are designed with a sealed structure around the excitation light irradiation section filled with air to minimize the presence of foreign matter, using adhesive grooves to contain adhesive fluorescence and incorporating light shielding to reduce noise signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a light transmission medium is interposed between capillaries to suppress attenuation of excitation light, then light transmission is improved, but Raman scattered light from the medium becomes noise signal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the light transmission medium from the space between capillaries, extracting the harmful element (Raman scattered light source) while maintaining the useful function (excitation light transmission through capillary walls). This resolves the contradiction by eliminating the medium that caused Raman scattering while preserving the capillary structure's light transmission capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces air as an intermediary substance in the space between capillaries, replacing the previous light transmission medium. Air serves as a mediator that does not produce Raman scattered light at detectable levels while still allowing excitation light to pass through, thus resolving the noise problem while maintaining light transmission.
2Stability of the object's composition
If adhesive is used to fix the capillary array, then structural stability is improved, but adhesive fluorescence becomes noise signal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the capillary array structure by providing individual grooves for each capillary, separating the adhesive application areas from the excitation light irradiation sections. This segmentation prevents adhesive from flowing into the light irradiation area while maintaining stable fixation, thus eliminating adhesive fluorescence noise.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different structural characteristics to different regions: grooves are provided at adhesive application sections for stable fixation, while the excitation light irradiation section maintains a smooth, adhesive-free surface. This local differentiation ensures that adhesive fluorescence does not interfere with fluorescence detection while preserving structural stability.
3Device complexity
If foreign matter is present around the excitation light irradiation section, then structural complexity is reduced, but fluorescence detection sensitivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a sealed structure with a substrate and capillary holder that creates a controlled environment around the excitation light irradiation section. This flexible sealing mechanism prevents foreign matter entry while maintaining structural simplicity, thus preserving fluorescence detection sensitivity without adding excessive complexity.
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 design effectively reduces noise signals, enhancing the sensitivity of fluorescence detection by minimizing interference from foreign matter and adhesive fluorescence, allowing for the detection of weak fluorescence signals.
Implementation Method 1
An electrophoresis device separates a fluorescently labeled sample by electrophoresis and analyzes the sample by detecting fluorescence induced by irradiation with excitation light
Implementation Method 2
analyzes the sample by detecting fluorescence induced by irradiation with excitation light
Implementation Method 3
fluorescence induced by irradiation with excitation light
Implementation Method 4
Raman scattered light emitted from the light transmission medium interposed between the capillaries becomes a noise signal for the fluorescence emitted by the sample
Data Source
AI summary
In order to provide an electrophoresis device that is capable of reducing a noise signal caused by foreign matter present around an excitation light irradiation section of a capillary array, the electrophoresis device includes: a capillary array in which capillaries to be used for electrophoresis of a sample are arrayed in a plane; an excitation light source that emits excitation light to the capillary array; and a fluorescence measurement unit that measures fluorescence induced from the capillary array. The capillary array has a sealed structure in which a portion located around an excitation light irradiation section that is irradiated with the excitation light is filled with air.