Fibril Cellulose Stationary Phase for Analyte-Free Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current stationary phases used in separation methods like electrophoresis and chromatography often interact undesirably with analytes, leading to incomplete separation and potential contamination issues, particularly in the analysis of biological samples.
Innovation Solution
The use of a stationary phase comprising fibril cellulose derived from plant material, which forms a stable gel in polar solvents and can be tailored for specific separation methods, minimizing interactions with analytes and enhancing separation efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional stationary phases (polyacrylamide, agarose, silica, cross-linked polystyrene) are used in separation methods, then separation can be performed, but unwanted interactions with analytes occur leading to incomplete separation and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the inert environment principle by using fibril cellulose as a stationary phase that provides a chemically inert surface for separation. Fibril cellulose lacks the reactive functional groups present in traditional stationary phases (such as the neurotoxic acrylamide groups in polyacrylamide or the reactive silanol groups in silica), thereby creating an inert environment that prevents unwanted interactions with analytes while maintaining effective separation based on size exclusion and other physical properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining fibril cellulose with cross-linking agents to create a cross-linked fibril cellulose stationary phase. This composite structure maintains the inertness of cellulose while adding structural stability and controlled porosity through the cross-linking network, enabling effective separation without analyte contamination.
2Reliability
If polyacrylamide gel is used as stationary phase, then separation efficiency is achieved, but neurotoxic residues contaminate the analytes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the disposable principle by using fibril cellulose, a natural, biodegradable, and non-toxic material that can be used for separation and then discarded without concern for toxic residue. Unlike polyacrylamide which requires careful handling and disposal due to neurotoxicity, fibril cellulose is inherently safe and environmentally friendly, eliminating the harmful factor while maintaining separation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an inert environment by replacing polyacrylamide with fibril cellulose, which lacks the neurotoxic properties of acrylamide monomers and oligomers. The cellulose-based stationary phase provides a safe, non-toxic environment for separation that eliminates the generation of harmful factors while maintaining the necessary separation performance.
3Measurement precision
If cross-linked polystyrene medium is used under higher pressure, then polymer characterization is improved, but increased pressure may cause analyte degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from high-pressure operation with cross-linked polystyrene to lower-pressure operation with fibril cellulose stationary phase. The cross-linked fibril cellulose provides sufficient structural integrity and porosity control to enable effective size exclusion chromatography at reduced pressures, thereby maintaining measurement precision while eliminating the harmful effect of high pressure on sensitive analytes.
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
Fibril cellulose-based stationary phases provide efficient separation and analysis of synthetic and natural polymers, biomolecules, and nanoparticles without the risks associated with traditional polymerization products, such as neurotoxic residues, and improve DNA isolation yields.
Implementation Method 1
forms a stable gel in polar solvents
Implementation Method 2
Molecules that are smaller than the pore size of the stationary phase particles can enter the particles and therefore have a longer path and longer transit time than larger molecules that cannot enter the particles
Implementation Method 3
an electrical field is applied on the matrix whereby the components are separated
Implementation Method 4
Methods for separating components of a mixture exploit differences in properties of the components, such as in size, electrical charge, solubility in different solvents, affinity and hydrophobic interactions
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to the use of a stationary phase comprising fibril cellulose in separation methods based on electrophoresis or chromatography and to electrophoresis and chromatographic separation methods.