Dry Affinity Chromatography Sorbent Bed for Ambient Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional affinity chromatography devices require wet sorbent beds that need to be immersed in aqueous buffer, necessitating refrigerated storage and sealed packaging, which complicates handling, shipping, and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
Development of an affinity chromatography device with a sorbent bed in a dry format that can be stored and shipped at ambient temperatures, using immobilized ligands on a solid support material, such as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) beads, allowing for prolonged shelf-life without refrigeration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wet sorbent bed format is used, then binding capacity is maintained, but storage and shipping require refrigeration and sealed packaging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning the sorbent bed from a wet state to a dry state. This fundamental parameter change allows the sorbent to be stored and shipped at ambient temperatures without refrigeration, eliminating the need for sealed wet packaging while maintaining binding capacity through proper reconstitution before use
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining the sorbent particles with a dry stabilizing matrix or coating that preserves binding sites in the dry state. This composite structure allows the sorbent to remain stable and functional when dry, yet can be reconstituted to its active state by adding buffer solution
2Device complexity
If dry format is used, then storage and shipping are simplified, but binding capacity must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-treating the sorbent with a stabilizing agent or coating in the manufacturing process that protects binding sites during storage. This preliminary protection ensures that when the sorbent is eventually reconstituted, the binding capacity is preserved despite the dry storage conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance that mediates between the dry storage state and the wet functional state. This intermediary (such as a protective coating or stabilizing matrix) allows the sorbent to be stored dry while maintaining binding capability, and can be removed or dissolved during reconstitution to restore full binding function
3Stability of the object's composition
If refrigerated storage is required, then sorbent stability is maintained, but handling and shipping costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the storage temperature parameter from refrigerated (cold) to ambient (room temperature). This is achieved through the dry format and stabilizing treatments that prevent degradation at higher temperatures, thereby eliminating the need for expensive refrigerated storage and shipping infrastructure
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
The dry format maintains binding capacity and performance for several years, simplifying handling and reducing costs by eliminating the need for refrigeration and specialized packaging.
Implementation Method 1
a ligand configured to bind specific biological molecules coupled to the support material
Data Source
AI summary
An affinity chromatography device for capturing biological molecules includes a carrier and a sorbent bed. The sorbent bed has a solid support material and a ligand configured to bind specific biological molecules coupled to the support material. The sorbent bed is immobilized on or in the carrier and is in a dry format. A related method produces an ambient-stable affinity chromatography device for capturing biological molecule. Another related method determines the presence of a specific biological molecule in a sample. The affinity chromatography device can be used in an application in an automated laboratory system for detecting the presence of a specific biological molecule in a sample.