Capillary Electrophoresis Apparatus with Degassing Membrane
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional capillary electrophoresis (CE) systems coupled with mass spectrometry (MS) face challenges due to gas bubble formation, which disrupts electroosmotic flow and sample delivery, leading to inconsistent separation and potential analysis failures, especially when static pressure is applied across the CE capillary.
Innovation Solution
A capillary electrophoresis apparatus with a nano pump and degassing membrane system that superimposes a controlled flow on electroosmotic flow, reducing gas bubbles by using a pressure difference and protecting the MS spray voltage with a voltage divider, ensuring a constant flow of electrolyte solution through the capillary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If static pressure is applied across the CE capillary to drive flow, then flow rate is improved, but gas bubble formation increases leading to flow disruption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical pressure-driven flow system with an electroosmotic flow system. Instead of applying static pressure mechanically to drive the electrolyte solution through the capillary, an electric field is applied to generate electroosmotic flow. This substitution eliminates the gas bubble formation associated with pressure-driven systems while maintaining reliable, continuous flow through the capillary.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the driving mechanism parameter from mechanical pressure to electrical field strength. By controlling the electric field parameters (voltage, polarity) rather than mechanical pressure, the system achieves flow control without the harmful side effects of pressure-driven systems, particularly gas bubble formation that disrupts flow continuity.
2Speed
If high voltage is applied to the HV electrode to drive electroosmotic flow, then flow generation is improved, but gas bubble formation at the electrode increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the gas bubbles formed at the HV electrode before they can enter and disrupt the capillary flow. A dedicated gas removal mechanism is implemented that continuously eliminates gas bubbles generated during electrolysis at the high voltage electrode, preventing them from accumulating and causing flow interruptions while maintaining the high voltage electroosmotic flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary gas removal system between the HV electrode and the capillary inlet. This intermediary mechanism captures and removes gas bubbles generated at the electrode, acting as a buffer that allows high voltage operation to continue without transferring the harmful gas bubble effect to the capillary flow system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If CE system is coupled with MS for analysis, then analytical capability is improved, but system fragility increases due to multiple interface requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal interface design that simultaneously satisfies multiple requirements: it maintains electrical isolation between CE and MS, enables spray potential application, allows electrolyte flow, and prevents gas bubble contamination. The electrospray ionization interface performs multiple functions in a single integrated component, reducing system fragility while maintaining enhanced analytical capability for protein analysis.
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 setup allows for robust, reproducible analysis of biological samples with minimal sample volume, preventing gas bubble formation and maintaining consistent sample delivery, thereby enhancing the reliability of CE-MS coupling and reducing misidentification of sample constituents.
Implementation Method 1
a pump (1) by means of which electrolyte solution may be conveyed from a reservoir and pumped in the direction of and/or through the continuous channel
Implementation Method 2
the electroosmotic flow is supported by a pump, in particular additionally electrolyte solution resp. a buffer or a buffer solution (hereinafter simplified referred to as electrolyte solution) is conveyed through a CE capillary
Implementation Method 3
the increased gas content in the electrolyte solution, which is produced at the HV electrode by the electrolysis, is reduced by means of the pressure difference via a degassing membrane
Implementation Method 4
capillary electrophoresis refers to a family of separation techniques used in analytics
Implementation Method 5
the MS spray potential is protected from the CE high voltage by means of a voltage divider
Data Source
AI summary
Capillary electrophoresis apparatus, comprising: (a) a supply capillary (4); (b) a degassing conduit (6); (c) a separation capillary (8); wherein the supply capillary (4), the degassing conduit (6), and separation capillary (8) each have an inlet and an outlet connected to the inlet via a channel, wherein in particular the respective channel is adapted to conduct a liquid from the corresponding inlet to the connected outlet; wherein the supply capillary (4), the degassing conduit (6), and the separation capillary (8) are connected to each other to form a continuous channel by means of which in particular liquid may be conducted from the inlet of the supply capillary (4) to the outlet of the separation capillary (8); an injection port (18) for feeding sample substance into the separation capillary (8); a pump (1), by means of which electrolyte solution may be conveyed from a reservoir (3) and pumped in the direction of and/or through the continuous channel; a first electrode (12) which extends within the degassing conduit (6), in particular within the channel of the degassing conduit (6).