Capillary Gel Electrophoresis-LIF Carbohydrate Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for analyzing complex carbohydrate mixtures, such as glycosylation patterns, are labor-intensive, time-consuming, and require expensive equipment, limiting their application to high-throughput analysis and accurate identification of unknown carbohydrate compositions.
Innovation Solution
The method employs capillary gel electrophoresis-laser induced fluorescence (CGE-LIF) with orthogonal cross normalization of migration times using two standards, enabling fast, sensitive, and reproducible analysis of carbohydrate mixtures, and a database for automated identification and profiling of glycosylation patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current methods for analyzing complex carbohydrate mixtures are used, then structural information can be obtained, but the analysis is labor-intensive, time-consuming, and requires expensive equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual, labor-intensive analytical methods with an automated capillary electrophoresis system coupled with laser-induced fluorescence detection. This substitution of mechanical/manual operations with an automated instrument system enables high-throughput analysis while maintaining structural identification accuracy, directly resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the analysis approach by changing key parameters: using capillary electrophoresis instead of traditional chromatography, implementing laser-induced fluorescence detection for enhanced sensitivity, and applying automated data processing algorithms. These parameter changes enable both high throughput and accurate structural information extraction simultaneously
2Measurement precision
If current methods are used, then carbohydrate compositions can be identified, but the process is time-consuming and not suitable for high-throughput analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous automated analysis through capillary electrophoresis with automated sample injection, separation, detection, and data processing. The system operates continuously without manual intervention between samples, eliminating idle time while maintaining identification accuracy, thus resolving the time loss contradiction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary automated data processing and comparison with reference databases during the electrophoresis run itself, rather than after completion. Migration time calculations and carbohydrate identification are performed in real-time, reducing post-analysis time while preserving accuracy
3Measurement precision
If traditional analysis equipment is used, then carbohydrate mixtures can be analyzed, but expensive equipment is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential analytical function from complex traditional equipment (HPLC, MS) and implements it through a simpler capillary electrophoresis system with fluorescence detection. By taking out only the necessary separation and detection functions and eliminating unnecessary complexity, the system achieves comparable accuracy with reduced device complexity and cost
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses disposable capillary electrophoresis capillaries instead of expensive, maintenance-intensive traditional chromatography columns and detectors. The capillaries are inexpensive, replaceable components that eliminate the need for complex equipment maintenance while maintaining analysis accuracy, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device 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
This approach allows for high-throughput, accurate, and reproducible analysis of carbohydrate mixtures independent of sample type, origin, and analysis conditions, providing detailed structural information without the need for complex equipment, thus overcoming the limitations of existing techniques.
Implementation Method 1
capillary gel electrophoresis-laser induced fluorescence (CGE-LIF)
Implementation Method 2
capillary gel electrophoresis-laser induced fluorescence (CGE-LIF)
Implementation Method 3
capillary gel electrophoresis-laser induced fluorescence (CGE-LIF)
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to methods for the identification of compounds in carbohydrate mixture compositions as well as the determination of carbohydrate mixture composition patterns, based on e.g. orthogonal cross determining migration time (indices) using capillary gel electrophoresis-laser induced fluorescence and identifying said carbohydrate components based on comparing said migration time (indices) with standard migration time (indices) from a database which data are preferably also orthogonal cross determined. In a further aspect, the present invention relates to a method for carbohydrate mixture composition pattern profiling, like glycosylation pattern profiling using capillary gel electrophoresis-laser induced fluorescence (CGE-LIF). In another aspect, the present invention refers to a system for an automated determination and/or identification of carbohydrates and/or carbohydrate mixture composition patterns (e.g.: glycosylation patterns). Finally, the present invention relates to a database containing e.g. orthogonal cross normalized migration times and/or migration time indices of carbohydrates.