Extractive Coating Structure to Prevent Tissue Debris Adhesion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for analyzing tissue samples in mass spectrometry face challenges due to tissue debris adhering to the SPME-based device, making it impractical for automated high-throughput workflows.

Innovation Solution

A device with an extractive coating on a support surface, protected by a sealing layer, prevents tissue debris from adhering to the support surface by ensuring the support surface does not interact with the sample matrix, while the extractive coating extracts the molecule of interest.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If SPME-based device is used for tissue sample analysis, then extraction efficiency is improved, but tissue debris adheres to the support surface causing interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveextraction efficiencyVSAvoidtissue debris adhesion
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The support surface is divided into two functional zones: a sealing layer that contacts the sample matrix to prevent debris adhesion, and an extractive coating zone that extracts analytes. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function without interference from tissue debris on the support surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A sealing layer is introduced as an intermediary between the sample matrix and the support surface. This sealing layer prevents direct contact between the sample matrix and the support surface, thereby preventing tissue debris adhesion while allowing the extractive coating to function effectively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If mechanical removal of tissue debris is implemented, then adhesion interference is reduced, but automation and high-throughput capability are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetissue debris interferenceVSAvoidautomated workflow capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing layer is applied in advance to the support surface before sample analysis. This preliminary action creates a protective barrier that prevents tissue debris adhesion during the extraction process, eliminating the need for subsequent mechanical removal steps and enabling fully automated high-throughput workflows.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If support surface is fully exposed to sample matrix, then extraction coverage is maximized, but debris adhesion increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveextraction coverageVSAvoiddebris adhesion
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Different regions of the support surface are assigned different properties: the sealing layer region has anti-adhesion properties to prevent debris binding, while the extractive coating region has high extraction efficiency properties. This local quality differentiation allows the device to achieve both maximum extraction coverage and minimum debris adhesion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 device enables efficient extraction and analysis of molecules from tissue samples, achieving high accuracy and precision in automated high-throughput workflows, reducing interference and improving sample preparation efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

an extractive phase coating applied to a portion of the sealing layer. The extractive phase coating is adapted to contain the molecule of interest

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 2

an extractive phase coating applied to a portion of the sealing layer. The extractive phase coating is adapted to contain the molecule of interest

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP4062144B1Device for extracting a molecule of interest from a sample matrix
Publication Date: 2025.08.06 JP SCI LTD
  • EP4062144B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4062144B1 patent drawingFigure 4
  • EP4062144B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A device for extracting a molecule of interest from a sample matrix. The device includes a support comprising a support surface; a sealing layer that at least partially coats the support surface; and an extractive phase coating applied to a portion of the sealing layer. The extractive phase coating is adapted to contain the molecule of interest. The sealing layer sufficiently coats the support surface to prevent the support surface from coming in contact with the sample matrix when the extractive phase coating is fully immersed in the sample matrix. Analytical screening devices and methods of manufacture are also disclosed.