Continuous Infrared Spectroscopy System with Disposable IRE Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ATR-FTIR spectroscopy systems are limited by their single-sample approach, requiring extensive preparation and cleaning procedures, which hinder high-throughput analysis, especially when dealing with biofluids like blood serum, due to the need for drying and the high cost and specific engineering requirements of internal reflection elements (IREs).
Innovation Solution
A sample support apparatus with multiple IREs arranged in an elongate flexible support, allowing for continuous and in-line analysis, where each IRE has both sample-receiving and beam-receiving portions, enabling efficient and automated processing of multiple samples without the need for extensive cleaning or drying between analyses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single IRE is used for ATR-FTIR analysis, then the analysis of individual samples can be performed with high precision, but the throughput is limited due to the need for extensive cleaning and drying between samples
Solution Approach 1:
The single IRE is segmented into multiple IREs arranged in an array, where each IRE can independently analyze a different sample. This allows parallel processing of multiple samples, eliminating the sequential cleaning and drying steps that limit throughput in single-IRE systems.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of cleaning and reusing the same IRE for multiple samples, the system discards the used IRE and replaces it with a fresh one from the array. This approach eliminates the time-consuming cleaning and drying processes while maintaining analytical precision, as each IRE is used only once.
2Productivity
If multiple IREs are used to increase throughput, then continuous processing of multiple samples is enabled, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spectrometer is designed with universal sample support that can accommodate various IRE configurations and types. The system uses a standardized interface and control mechanism that works with any IRE in the array, reducing the complexity that would otherwise arise from managing multiple specialized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter from sequential single-sample analysis to parallel multi-sample analysis by activating different IREs in the array. The control system manages this by simply changing which IRE is active and which sample position is being analyzed, without requiring complex mechanical reconfiguration.
3Measurement precision
If thorough cleaning and drying of the IRE is performed between samples, then cross-contamination is prevented and measurement precision is maintained, but the analysis time is significantly extended
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs disposable IREs that are used for a single analysis and then discarded. This eliminates the need for thorough cleaning and drying between samples, as each IRE is fresh and uncontaminated. The low cost of individual IREs allows this disposable approach to be economically viable while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The IREs are prepared in advance and stored in a ready-to-use state before being placed in the spectrometer. This preliminary preparation ensures that each IRE is clean and dry before use, eliminating the need for post-sample cleaning and drying steps during the analysis workflow.
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 solution enhances the throughput of ATR-FTIR analysis by allowing continuous processing of multiple samples, reducing analysis time, and minimizing the need for costly and labor-intensive cleaning and drying procedures, while maintaining the ability to handle biofluids effectively.
Implementation Method 1
When IR light is passed through an IRE above a defined angle, described as the critical angle, the light is internally reflected through this medium. When the beam meets the IRE and sample interface, this results in the production of an evanescent wave which penetrates into the sample.
Implementation Method 2
the production of an evanescent wave which penetrates into the sample. The depth of this penetration is dependent upon the wavelength of light, the refractive indices of the IRE and the sample, as well as the angle of incidence: however, is generally in the region between 0.5-2 μm.
Implementation Method 3
When a biological sample is irradiated with MIR light, some of this energy is absorbed by the sample. The absorption profile of a given sample is representative of the chemical bonds present within a sample.
Data Source
AI summary
A sample support apparatus (150) for use in a spectrometer (285), comprises an elongate support (110) comprising a plurality of receiving portions (112) each configured to receive a respective internal reflection element (IRE) or IRE slide (135), the elongate support having a sample side and a beam side opposite the sample side; and a plurality of IREs or IRE slides (135), each IRE or IRE slide provided at a respective receiving portion (112) of the elongate support (110), wherein each IRE or IRE slide (135) has at least one sample-receiving portion provided on a sample side thereof, and at least one beam-receiving portion provided on a beam side thereof. The sample support apparatus (150) has a stowed configuration, and a deployed configuration configured to allow application of a sample (276) on one or more of the plurality of IREs or IRE slides (135).