Disposable Capillary Tube for Particle Characterization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for particle characterization using Static Light Scattering (SLS) and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) require expensive cuvettes with high-quality optical surfaces, consume large sample volumes, and are difficult to clean, especially for samples like proteins.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a capillary tube with a removable cover, allowing for the suspension of a small liquid sample by atmospheric pressure or surface tension, with illumination and detection axes oriented at an angle, enabling efficient measurement of scattered light using a disposable capillary tube that can be easily replaced.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high-quality optical surface cuvettes are used, then measurement quality is improved, but cost and sample volume requirement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable capillary tubes made of inexpensive materials (glass or plastic) that can be easily discarded after use. These capillaries replace expensive, reusable cuvettes with high-quality optical surfaces. The capillaries are designed to be single-use, eliminating the need for costly cleaning and maintenance while reducing sample volume requirements through their small internal diameter.
2Measurement precision
If high-quality optical surface cuvettes are used, then measurement quality is improved, but cleaning difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the cleaning problem by using disposable capillary tubes that are discarded after a single use. This approach removes the need for cleaning high-quality optical surfaces, which are notoriously difficult to clean, especially for protein samples. The capillaries are designed to be single-use, eliminating the time-consuming and difficult cleaning process entirely.
3Quantity of substance
If disposable capillary tubes are used, then cost and sample volume requirement are reduced, but measurement quality may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by ensuring that only the critical optical regions of the capillary tube are of high quality. The capillary tubes are designed with specific optical properties in the regions where light interaction occurs, while other parts can be made from standard materials. This allows the use of inexpensive, disposable capillaries while maintaining measurement quality in the critical measurement zones.
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 quick and efficient scattering measurements with minimal sample volume, easy cleaning, and reduced costs by using disposable capillary tubes made of glass or plastic, suitable for small sample sizes, including proteins.
Implementation Method 1
The suspended liquid sample is illuminated along an illumination axis, and at least a portion of the light is detected along a first detection axis after it is scattered by the particles in the suspended liquid sample
Implementation Method 2
The liquid sample can be suspended in the tube by atmospheric pressure
Implementation Method 3
The liquid sample can be suspended in the tube by atmospheric pressure or surface tension
Data Source
AI summary
In one general aspect, a method of measuring characteristics of particles in a liquid sample is disclosed. The method includes suspending the liquid sample in a tube. The suspended liquid sample is illuminated along an illumination axis, and at least a portion of the light is detected along a first detection axis after it is scattered by the particles in the suspended liquid sample. The illumination axis and the detection axis are oriented at an angle with respect to each other.