Flexible Capillary Electrophoresis for Automated Small-Volume Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing capillary electrophoresis techniques face challenges in consistently performing biomolecule visualization and automation, particularly for small volumes of biological samples, leading to reproducibility issues and difficulty in handling and processing.
Innovation Solution
A capillary electrophoresis apparatus with a set of flexible capillaries and a conductive body portion, coupled to a vacuum source and optical detector, allows for automated separation and visualization of analytes in biological samples, including cellular lysates or purified proteins, using a system that includes a housing, capillary cartridge retainer, and reagent tray holder.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If capillary electrophoresis is used for biomolecule separation, then separation efficiency is improved, but visualization consistency and reproducibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical handling and processing steps with an automated electrophoresis system that uses electric fields to drive biomolecule separation through capillaries. This substitution of manual operations with automated electrochemical processes eliminates variability in handling, thereby improving visualization consistency while maintaining separation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs controlled changes in electrical parameters (voltage, current) and physical conditions (temperature, pH gradient) to optimize both separation efficiency and visualization consistency. By precisely controlling these parameters, the system achieves reproducible results across multiple experiments while maintaining high separation resolution.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual handling and processing steps are used, then flexibility is maintained, but reproducibility and automation capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The automated electrophoresis system performs sample loading, separation, and detection without requiring manual intervention. The system self-regulates through automated control of electric fields, temperature, and detection parameters, thereby achieving high reproducibility and automation capability while maintaining the flexibility to handle various biomolecule types through programmable method adjustments.
3Manufacturing precision
If complex processing steps are used, then sample preparation completeness is improved, but time consumption and complexity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple processing steps (sample loading, separation, detection) into a single integrated electrophoresis run. By combining these operations in one continuous process rather than sequential manual steps, the system achieves complete sample preparation with reduced time consumption and lower operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-conditioning capillaries, pre-setting electric field parameters, and pre-preparing detection systems before sample analysis. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex real-time processing steps during actual sample analysis, thereby reducing processing time while maintaining completeness.
4Productivity
If conventional capillary electrophoresis is used, then basic separation is achieved, but visualization and detection reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where detection signals are continuously monitored and fed back to control systems that adjust electric field strength, temperature, and detection sensitivity in real-time. This feedback control ensures reliable visualization and detection while maintaining high separation speed, as the system automatically optimizes parameters based on actual sample behavior.
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
Enables efficient, automated separation and detection of multiple analytes in small volumes with minimal reagents, facilitating simultaneous analysis of samples and improving reproducibility and reducing handling complexity.
Implementation Method 1
Electrophoresis has been used for separating mixtures of molecules based on their different rates of travel in electric fields
Implementation Method 2
A connector is configured to be coupled to the body portion to be in fluid communication with the reservoir and the set of substantially flexible capillaries. The connector is further configured to be coupled to a vacuum source
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a body portion that defines a reservoir and a set of substantially flexible capillaries. The set of substantially flexible capillaries are fixedly coupled to the body portion and in fluid communication with the reservoir. A connector is configured to be coupled to the body portion to be in fluid communication with the reservoir and the set of substantially flexible capillaries. The connector is further configured to be coupled to a vacuum source. The apparatus is arranged such that at least a part of the body portion is electrically conductive. Methods for separating and detecting an analyte from a biological sample with the apparatus are also provided. For example, methods for separating and detecting one or more proteins from a cellular lysate or a purified protein are also provided.