Fabry-Perot Interferometer Protein Quantitation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for protein quantitation are often time-consuming and require bulky or expensive equipment, limiting their efficiency and accessibility in biochemical and biomedical research.
Innovation Solution
A device utilizing a Fabry-Perot interferometer with a pair of spaced-apart reflective surfaces, a source of infrared radiation, and a controller to tune the interferometer to different resonant wavelengths, combined with band pass optical filters to record an absorbance spectrum of protein samples, enabling precise protein quantitation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional spectrophotometers or FTIR spectroscopy are used for protein quantitation, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the broad infrared spectrum into multiple discrete wavelength bands using bandpass filters. Each filter captures a specific wavelength range where proteins absorb infrared radiation. This segmentation allows the use of simpler, smaller components rather than requiring a complete FTIR spectrometer, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement accuracy through multi-wavelength detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical moving mirror system of traditional FTIR spectrometers with a stationary optical setup using fixed bandpass filters and a single detector. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical components, reducing device size and cost while achieving the same protein quantitation function through optical filtering rather than mechanical wavelength scanning.
2Loss of information
If broadband infrared sources and FTIR spectroscopy are used, then comprehensive spectral information is obtained, but measurement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses multiple bandpass filters that can be sequentially positioned in the optical path to capture different wavelength bands. This periodic switching between filters allows the system to gather comprehensive spectral information across the infrared range while maintaining rapid measurement speeds, as each filter provides immediate data for its specific wavelength range without requiring slow mechanical scanning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-selects specific wavelength bands using fixed bandpass filters that are optimized for protein absorption characteristics. This preliminary selection of relevant spectral regions eliminates the need to scan through the entire infrared spectrum, providing sufficient spectral information for accurate protein quantitation while significantly reducing measurement time compared to comprehensive FTIR spectroscopy.
3Measurement precision
If multiple wavelength bands are measured, then protein quantitation accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple bandpass filters with different wavelength specifications into a single optical system. By merging these filters with a common infrared source and detector, the system achieves multi-wavelength measurement capability without proportionally increasing device complexity. The filters work together as an integrated unit, allowing accurate protein quantitation through combined spectral information while maintaining a compact and manageable optical design.
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 solution provides a compact, cost-effective method for protein quantitation, capable of measuring absorption across a specific wavelength range relevant to protein analysis, enhancing efficiency and accessibility in research applications.
Implementation Method 1
the Fabry-Perot interferometer comprising a pair of spaced-apart reflective surfaces, at least one of which is movable to change the spacing between the reflective surfaces
Implementation Method 2
measuring absorption across a specific wavelength range relevant to protein analysis
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
Systems for protein quantitation using a Fabry-Perot interferometer. In one arrangement, a quantitation device includes an infrared source, a sample holder, and a Fabry-Perot interferometer positioned to receive infrared radiation from the source passing through a sample on the sample holder. A band pass optical filter sets the working range of the interferometer, and radiation exiting the interferometer falls on a detector that produces a signal indicating the intensity of the received radiation. A controller causes the interferometer to be tuned to a number of different resonance wavelengths and receives the intensity signals, for determination of an absorbance spectrum.