Flow-Through Encapsulated Reagents for Stable Sample Preparation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sample preparation methods for complex molecules, such as biomolecules, are labor-intensive, time-consuming, and require multiple steps, leading to variability and inefficiency, especially in moderate throughput settings.

Innovation Solution

Encapsulated reagents are used within an encapsulating material, which can be attached to a scaffolding material, providing controlled release at specific points in the workflow, improving stability and efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional manual sample preparation methods are used, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but labor intensity and time consumption increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelabor intensityVSAvoidworkflow complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple sample preparation steps (digestion, labeling, purification) into a single integrated flow-through device. The device integrates enzyme digestion, solid-phase extraction, and labeling reactions within one cartridge, eliminating the need for separate manual operations and reducing labor intensity while maintaining workflow functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The flow-through device is designed to perform sample preparation automatically without requiring manual intervention for each step. The device self-regulates the workflow through its internal architecture, where samples automatically flow through different functional zones, and reagents are delivered via pre-filled reservoirs, reducing the need for user-generated scripts and manual plate handling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If automation is implemented to reduce labor intensity, then reproducibility improves, but equipment investment and infrastructure requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovereproducibilityVSAvoidequipment investment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs disposable flow-through cartridges that are pre-filled with reagents and designed for single-use. This eliminates the need for expensive, complex automation equipment while ensuring high reproducibility, as each cartridge is manufactured with precise reagent quantities and configurations. The disposable nature avoids cross-contamination and eliminates the need for cleaning and maintenance infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The flow-through device is designed as a universal platform that can handle multiple sample types and preparation protocols through a single device architecture. The cartridge design accommodates different enzyme digestion protocols, labeling reactions, and purification steps, making it adaptable to various workflows without requiring separate specialized equipment for each application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple reagent addition steps are performed manually, then workflow flexibility is maintained, but variability and difficulty in replication increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworkflow flexibilityVSAvoidresult variability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The device segments the workflow into distinct functional zones within the cartridge, with each zone dedicated to a specific step (digestion, labeling, purification). Reagents are pre-segmented into separate reservoirs with precise quantities, ensuring consistent delivery. This segmentation maintains workflow flexibility by allowing selective activation of different zones while ensuring reliable, reproducible results through controlled reagent delivery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cartridge is pre-prepared with exact amounts of reagents in designated reservoirs before use. Enzyme digestion mixtures, labeling reagents, and purification materials are all pre-positioned in their correct locations and concentrations. This preliminary action eliminates variability associated with manual reagent preparation and addition, while the modular design allows flexibility in which pre-prepared cartridges are selected for different workflow requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 encapsulated reagents enhance stability, reduce handling risks, and enable simplified, reproducible workflows for sample preparation, suitable for moderate throughput devices.

Implementation Method 1

The encapsulated reagents are introduced at specific points within a workflow

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Implementation Method 2

Encapsulated reagents for sample and workflow preparation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDissolution:

Data Source

PatentUS12487210B2Encapsulated pre-analytic workflows for flow-through devices, liquid chromatography and mass spectrometric analysis

Publication Date: 2025.12.02 WATERS TECHNOLOGY CORP

AI summary

This invention relates to encapsulated reagents for sample and workflow preparation prior to chromatographic, spectroscopic or other analytical systems, use thereof, and devices comprising the same.