Capillary Channel Analyte Separation via Flow Regime Switching
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current size-based separation techniques for analytes, such as chromatographic methods, face issues like slow separation times, potential column damage, limited applicability to biological molecules, and difficulties in detecting micron-sized particles due to the use of particulate stationary phases or specialized and expensive equipment.
Innovation Solution
A capillary channel apparatus with alternating regions of non-laminar and laminar flow is used for size-based separation of analytes, where smaller analytes with higher diffusion coefficients aggregate in central regions and move into faster flowing areas when laminar flow is reestablished, enhancing separation efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If chromatographic columns with particulate stationary phase are used for size-based separation, then separation resolution is improved, but separation time increases significantly (60 minutes or more)
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential function of size-based separation from the traditional particulate stationary phase column and implements it in a capillary channel without particles. The capillary channel extracts only the necessary separation function while eliminating the time-consuming aspects of traditional chromatography, achieving rapid separation (7-10 minutes) while maintaining resolution capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical particulate stationary phase system with a smooth capillary channel system. Instead of using physical particles to achieve separation, the system uses controlled laminar and non-laminar flow regimes in a smooth channel to separate analytes by size, dramatically reducing separation time while maintaining resolution.
2Speed
If flow rate is increased to decrease separation time, then separation speed is improved, but pressure on stationary phase increases and can crush porous particles
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the vulnerable porous particles from the system entirely, extracting only the essential separation function. Without particles to crush, the system can operate at higher flow rates without the risk of damaging the stationary phase, enabling faster separation speeds while maintaining system integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the flow regime parameters by alternating between laminar and non-laminar flow conditions in the capillary channel. This dynamic parameter change allows the system to achieve rapid separation without subjecting any stationary phase to damaging pressures, since no stationary phase particles are present to be crushed.
3Speed
If capillary channel with alternating laminar and non-laminar flow is used, then separation speed is improved, but detection of micron-sized particles becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces an intermediary detection system that works specifically with the capillary channel format. The detection apparatus is designed to detect analytes as they pass through the capillary channel, serving as an intermediary between the rapid separation process and the measurement system, thereby enabling effective detection despite the fast flow rates and small channel dimensions.
4Measurement precision
If silica-based stationary phase is used, then separation capability is improved, but particle dissolution occurs at alkaline pH (pH > 8)
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the separation function from the silica-based stationary phase and implements it in a smooth capillary channel wall. This eliminates the dissolution problem entirely, as the capillary channel material (likely glass or inert polymer) does not dissolve at alkaline pH, ensuring column stability and reliability across a wide pH range while maintaining separation capability.
5Adaptability or versatility
If polymeric-based stationary phase is used to accommodate greater pH range, then pH adaptability is improved, but analyte absorption occurs reducing separation accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the separation function from the polymeric stationary phase and implements it in a smooth capillary channel. This eliminates the analyte absorption problem that occurs with polymeric particles, as the smooth capillary wall does not provide the same absorption sites. The system maintains pH adaptability while improving separation accuracy by preventing unwanted analyte-stationary phase interactions.
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 allows for rapid and effective separation of analytes based on size, reducing analysis time and improving resolution, particularly for biological molecules, while avoiding the limitations of particulate stationary phases and expensive equipment.
Implementation Method 1
smaller analytes with higher diffusion coefficients aggregate in central regions and move into faster flowing areas when laminar flow is reestablished
Implementation Method 2
A capillary channel apparatus with alternating regions of non-laminar and laminar flow is used for size-based separation of analytes
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus involving the configuration of an open capillary channel for size-based separation of analytes is described. The open capillary channel contains numerous turns of defined angles separated by intervening linear or curvilinear segments of capillary tubing. The configuration of the channel allows analyte differentiation based on diffusion coefficients and thus separates analytes by size.