Electroextraction Using Immiscible Insulator Phase
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electroextraction methods are limited by the need for analytes to be dissolved in an organic phase, which restricts their application to molecules with appropriate solubility and involve an extra diluting step, and they are inefficient due to transport limitations and discrimination of endogenous compounds in biological matrices.
Innovation Solution
A process using three phases - a conductive donor phase, an immiscible insulator phase, and a conductive acceptor phase, where an electrical field is applied between electrodes without a membrane or hollow fibre support, allowing for the extraction of charged and neutral compounds without direct contact and reducing electrochemical reactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a membrane or hollow fibre is used to support the insulator phase, then the insulator phase can be maintained in position, but the device complexity increases and the membrane needs to be discarded after single application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a magnetic field instead of a membrane to hold the insulator phase in position. The magnetic field acts as a non-contact support mechanism that maintains phase separation without requiring physical membrane structures, thereby reducing device complexity and eliminating the need for disposable membrane components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state or properties of the insulator phase by making it magnetically responsive. This parameter change allows the insulator phase to be held in position through magnetic interaction rather than mechanical support, resolving the contradiction between stability and device complexity.
2Productivity
If analytes are dissolved in an organic phase, then electroextraction can be performed, but the application is limited to molecules with appropriate solubility and an extra diluting step is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an insulator phase as an intermediary between the aqueous sample phase and the extraction phase. This insulator phase enables the extraction of analytes directly from aqueous solutions without requiring them to be dissolved in organic solvents, thereby expanding applicability to molecules with limited organic solubility while maintaining extraction efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the extraction mechanism by using an insulator phase that allows direct extraction from aqueous phase. This parameter change in the extraction system eliminates the requirement for analyte solubility in organic phases and removes the need for additional diluting steps.
3Productivity
If a liquid membrane is used for electro-assisted extraction, then aqueous analyte samples can be extracted, but the membrane discriminates the majority of endogenous compounds from biological matrix which is highly undesired in metabolomics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an insulator phase as an intermediary that does not discriminate against endogenous compounds. Unlike liquid membranes that selectively block certain compounds, the insulator phase allows broad passage of substances while still enabling electro-assisted extraction, thereby preserving endogenous compounds for metabolomics analysis.
4Productivity
If electrodes are in direct contact with phases, then electroextraction can be performed, but electrochemical reactions occur at the electrode interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an insulator phase as an intermediary between the electrodes and the conductive phases. This insulator phase prevents direct contact between electrodes and the phases, thereby eliminating harmful electrochemical reactions at the electrode interfaces while still allowing the electrical field to be applied for electroextraction.
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 method enhances the efficiency of compound extraction by enabling the transfer of a wider range of analytes, including neutral species, without the need for additional purification steps and membrane disposal, and allows for selective extraction of compounds from biological samples.
Implementation Method 1
charged compounds that are in the organic phase will migrate fast toward the aqueous phase. As the aqueous phase is entered, migration speed decreases dramatically, causing analyte concentration at the interface
Implementation Method 2
providing an insulator phase fluid communication with the donor phase and the acceptor phase, wherein the insulator phase is immiscible with the donor phase and the acceptor phase
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a process for the extraction of analyte compounds from a sample comprising one or more analytes in a donor phase into an acceptor phase, comprising the steps of: a) providing an electrically conductive donor phase comprising the compounds in a first electrically conductive solvent or solvent blend, and an electrode arranged in electrically conductive contact with the donor phase,b) providing an electrically conductive acceptor phase in electrically conductive contact with a second electrode;and c) providing an insulator phase in fluid communication with at least one of the donor phase and the acceptor phase,wherein the insulator phase is immiscible with the donor phase and/or the acceptor phase, and d) (d) applying an electrical field between the first and the second electrode.