Multi-Channel Capillary Electrophoresis with Fiber Optic Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current carbohydrate analysis methods, particularly those using capillary electrophoresis with laser-induced fluorescence (CE-LIF), are complex, expensive, and limited to high-throughput applications due to bulky scanning optical detection mechanisms, making them inaccessible to many laboratories and hindering the expansion of carbohydrate analysis.
Innovation Solution
A cost-effective, multi-channel capillary gel-electrophoresis system with a multiplexed/time-staggered fluorescence detection mechanism and an integrated fiber optic array-based technology, utilizing a disposable gel-cartridge for simultaneous analysis of multiple carbohydrate samples, reducing separation time and labor while increasing sensitivity and resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If capillary electrophoresis with laser-induced fluorescence (CE-LIF) is used for carbohydrate analysis, then sensitivity and resolution are improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to bulky scanning optical detection mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the bulky scanning optical detection mechanism with a fiber optic array-based detection system. This substitution maintains high detection sensitivity while significantly reducing mechanical complexity and instrument size, allowing carbohydrate analysis at the picomole range without requiring complex scanning optics
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a fiber optic array to create multiple parallel detection channels that simultaneously monitor multiple capillaries. This copying approach replaces the single-point scanning detection method, maintaining measurement precision while eliminating the need for mechanical scanning movements and reducing overall device complexity
2Ease of operation
If traditional slab gel electrophoresis is used for carbohydrate analysis, then ease of operation is maintained, but productivity and resolution are reduced due to labor-intensive procedures and long analysis times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the analysis system into multiple parallel capillary channels that can simultaneously analyze multiple carbohydrate samples. This segmentation transforms the single-sample, time-consuming slab gel process into a multi-sample, high-throughput automated system, increasing productivity while maintaining operational simplicity through computer-controlled automation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements automated sample injection, separation, and detection systems that eliminate manual procedures. The system performs self-service through computer-controlled mechanisms for sample handling and analysis, reducing labor requirements and analysis time while maintaining ease of operation through automated protocols
3Device complexity
If single-channel capillary electrophoresis is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity is limited due to sequential analysis of multiple samples
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the single-channel design into a multi-channel configuration with multiple capillaries arranged in parallel. This segmentation allows simultaneous analysis of multiple samples across different capillaries, dramatically increasing productivity while maintaining relatively simple individual channel designs that are easy to manufacture and operate
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple single-channel capillary electrophoresis systems into a single integrated multi-channel instrument. This merging approach maintains the simplicity of individual capillary designs while achieving high-throughput analysis by running multiple samples simultaneously across parallel channels, effectively multiplying productivity without proportionally increasing 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
The system achieves high-speed, high-throughput carbohydrate analysis with reduced costs and labor, offering faster separation times (10 minutes vs. 3-4 hours), lower consumable usage, and enhanced sensitivity and resolution, making it a more accessible and efficient alternative to traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
high-performance capillary electrophoresis (HPCE) now represents a set of powerful electromigration techniques whose impact has been felt in virtually all areas of biochemical analysis, including carbohydrate separations
Implementation Method 2
CE technology is commonly accepted by the biotechnology industry, as a reliable, high resolution and highly sensitive detection tool. CE with laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) is one of the most powerful analytical tools for rapid, high sensitivity and high-resolution bio-analysis type applications
Data Source
AI summary
A cost-effective multi-channel capillary gel-electrophoresis system for highly efficient, high speed, high throughput, carbohydrate analysis. In one aspect of the present invention, a high-performance capillary electrophoresis analyzer system has been optimized for carbohydrate analysis application. The system uses a multiplexed/time-staggered fluorescence type detection mechanism, with an integrated fiber optic array-based technology and a novel disposable gel-cartridge. Twelve carbohydrate samples are automatically injected, electrophoretically separated, detected and analyzed simultaneously by using a multiple usage and disposable multi-capillary gel-cartridge. Using commercially available labeling agent such as APTS (representing 8-Aminopyrene-1,3,6-trisulfonic acid, trisodium salt) as an indicator, the capillary electrophoresis-based carbohydrate system/analyzer provides high resolving power in 2-15 minutes of separations. The system can hold a total of 96 samples, which can be automatically analyzed within 30-60 minutes. This affordable fiber optic based fluorescence detection system can be used in laboratories for high speed carbohydrate sequencing & screening applications.