Chromatography Column with Non-Uniform Cross Section for Polymer Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current separation techniques, such as liquid chromatography and electrophoresis, are inefficient and costly for separating charged and uncharged particles, particularly uncharged polymers, which are crucial in various applications including biotechnology and environmental analysis, as they often require large sample volumes and lengthy processing times, and lack effective methods for size-based separation of uncharged molecules.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a chromatographic column with a non-uniform internal longitudinal cross-section and an applied electric field to generate a charged double layer, creating a non-uniform velocity profile in the buffer solution, allowing for the separation of particles based on size or charge, effectively separating both charged and uncharged particles by exploiting differences in Brownian motion and electroosmotic flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If liquid chromatography or electrophoresis is used for separating particles, then separation can be achieved, but processing time becomes excessively long and sample volume requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric flow field fractionation where particles are separated in a non-uniform flow field created by alternating magnetic field gradients. The asymmetric force distribution on particles of different sizes enables rapid separation without requiring long processing times or large sample volumes, resolving the contradiction between separation resolution and processing time
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces traditional mechanical separation mechanisms (such as physical filtration or long-column chromatography) with a magnetic field-based separation mechanism. By using alternating magnetic field gradients to generate asymmetric forces on particles, the system achieves rapid separation in a compact device, eliminating the need for lengthy processing times associated with conventional methods
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional chromatography methods are used, then separation of charged particles is possible, but uncharged particles cannot be effectively separated by size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal separation mechanism that works for both charged and uncharged particles. The alternating magnetic field gradient generates asymmetric forces based on particle size and magnetic properties rather than charge, enabling the same system to effectively separate diverse particle types including polymers, proteins, and cells, thus achieving both versatility and precision
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the separation parameter from charge-based (as in traditional electrophoresis) to magnetic field-based asymmetric force. By adjusting magnetic field gradient parameters and flow conditions, the system can selectively separate particles based on size across different charge states, achieving accurate size-based separation for both charged and uncharged particles
3Measurement precision
If high-pressure liquid chromatography is used to improve efficiency and resolution, then separation quality increases, but macroscopic volumes of material are required and processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional linear flow separation to a system where particles experience asymmetric forces in multiple dimensions due to alternating magnetic field gradients. This dimensional approach enables high-resolution separation in a compact volume by exploiting spatial variations in magnetic field strength, achieving excellent resolution with minimal sample volume
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs periodic alternating magnetic field gradients that cyclically reverse direction. This periodic action creates repeated cycles of asymmetric force application and relaxation, enhancing separation efficiency by allowing particles to progressively sort by size over multiple cycles rather than requiring a single long separation path, thus reducing both sample volume and processing time while maintaining high resolution
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 enables faster, more accurate, and efficient separation of uncharged and charged particles, achieving single-monomer resolution and reducing processing times, thereby improving the quality and safety of products in biotechnology and environmental analysis.
Implementation Method 1
An electric field is applied to the solution in the column to generate a charged double layer at a solid-liquid interface within the column, where the electric filed moves ions within the double layer, and a non-uniform velocity profile is induced to the buffer solution
Implementation Method 2
An electric field is applied to the solution in the column to generate a charged double layer at a solid-liquid interface within the column, where the electric filed moves ions within the double layer
Implementation Method 3
a non-uniform velocity profile is induced to the buffer solution, where the moving ions carry the particles along the column and the particles are separated according to size or charge
Data Source
AI summary
A method of using electrokinetics for separating particles in a buffer solution is provided, where a chromatographic column is provided having a non-uniform internal longitudinal cross-section. At least one main inlet for inputting solution and at least one main outlet for outputting solution are provided. At least one sample inlet and at least one sample outlet are provided. The particle is introduced to the column from the sample inlet and fractionated samples are eluted from the sample outlet, where quality control and further analysis are enabled. An electric field is applied to the solution in the column to generate a charged double layer at a solid-liquid interface within the column. The electric filed moves ions within the double layer, and a non-uniform velocity profile is induced to the buffer solution. The moving ions carry the particles along the column and the particles are separated according to size or charge.