Capillary Lipid Extraction Device for Online Mass Spectrometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lipid extraction methods, such as liquid-liquid extraction, are time-consuming and cannot be easily connected online to mass spectrometers, risking lipid modification during the extraction process.
Innovation Solution
A capillary tube-based lipid extraction device with hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography beads and C4, C8, or C18 beads, connected to a system including a sample injector, valves, and a mass spectrometer, allowing for rapid and simultaneous qualitative and quantitative analysis of lipids without exposing samples to air.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If liquid-liquid extraction method is used, then lipid extraction can be performed, but extraction time is long and cannot be connected online to mass spectrometer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential lipid extraction function from the complex liquid-liquid extraction system and implements it in a simplified online device. The device takes out only the necessary components (extraction column, solvent delivery system) and eliminates unnecessary steps, enabling rapid online lipid extraction while maintaining extraction effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary extraction column with specific stationary phase that mediates between the sample and mass spectrometer. This intermediary component enables direct coupling by performing the extraction function in-line, eliminating the need for separate offline extraction steps while maintaining compatibility with mass spectrometry.
2Loss of time
If QuEChERS method is applied, then extraction time is reduced to about 10 minutes, but magnesium sulfate cannot be connected online and moisture absorption is exothermic causing lipid modification risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the extraction system by using a column-based stationary phase with controlled porosity and chemistry. This parameter change eliminates the need for exothermic moisture-absorbing salts while maintaining rapid extraction capability, preventing lipid modification through controlled extraction conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an inert extraction environment within the column system that protects lipids from modification. By controlling the extraction medium and eliminating exothermic reactions, the system maintains stable conditions that prevent lipid degradation while achieving rapid extraction.
3Ease of operation
If conventional extraction methods are used, then lipids can be extracted, but samples are exposed to air causing potential modification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the extraction and analysis processes into a single integrated online system. By combining extraction, separation, and detection in one continuous flow path, the system eliminates intermediate transfer steps where samples would be exposed to air, maintaining sample integrity while simplifying operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous extraction and analysis without interruption or exposure to air. The online system maintains continuous flow and closed conditions throughout the process, eliminating gaps where oxidative modification could occur while maintaining operational simplicity.
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 rapid lipid extraction and analysis in small volumes, preventing sample modification and allowing for simultaneous extraction of various lipids within a short time, with the system being simple and automated.
Implementation Method 1
The first filler in the present invention may be hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography beads (HILIC)
Implementation Method 2
The second filler in the present invention may be at least one selected from the group consisting of C4 beads containing butyl chains, C8 beads containing octyl chains, and C18 beads containing octadecyl chains
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a lipid extraction device comprising a capillary tube, wherein the capillary tube comprises a first region containing a first filler; and a second region present in a region other than the first region and containing a second filler having polarity different from the first filler. The present invention also provides a system and a method for extracting and analyzing lipids from a biological sample using the lipid extraction device.