Fluidic Analysis and Separation Using Laminar Flow Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for analyzing complex mixtures of biomolecules, such as 2D gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry, are either time-consuming, expensive, or lack the necessary accuracy and resolution, particularly in identifying components in fluid flows like microfluidic systems, which are crucial for early disease detection and understanding biological processes.
Innovation Solution
A method involving multiple distribution steps in fluidic techniques, utilizing laminar flow to separate and analyze components based on physical and chemical properties, allowing for the identification and separation of components with shared properties by differing behaviors in subsequent distribution steps, enhancing resolution through additional analytical dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If 2D gel electrophoresis or mass spectrometry is used to analyze complex mixtures, then accuracy and resolution are improved, but time consumption and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The analysis process is divided into multiple sequential distribution steps, where each step separates components based on different physical or chemical properties. This segmentation allows complex mixtures to be analyzed in a systematic manner, achieving high resolution without requiring time-consuming traditional methods like 2D gel electrophoresis.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces multiple distribution steps that operate in different analytical dimensions, each targeting different component properties. By adding these dimensional layers of separation, the system achieves enhanced resolution and accuracy while maintaining continuous flow operation, avoiding the time constraints of conventional batch methods.
2Measurement precision
If traditional separation methods are used, then components can be separated, but quantitative information on analyte properties is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it separates components based on physical/chemical properties while also providing quantitative information about analyte characteristics. Each distribution step generates data about component behavior, enabling both separation and characterization without requiring separate analytical instruments.
Solution Approach 2:
The continuous flow system acts as an intermediary between sample introduction and detection, enabling quantitative measurements during the separation process. The flow system mediates the interaction between components and the distribution environment, providing real-time data on analyte properties while maintaining separation efficiency.
3Productivity
If single distribution step is used, then analysis is faster, but resolution and ability to separate components with shared properties is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The analysis is segmented into multiple distribution steps, each targeting different component properties. This segmentation maintains productivity by using continuous flow throughout while improving resolution through cumulative separation effects. Components with shared properties are progressively separated across different distribution dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous flow operation throughout all distribution steps, ensuring that the useful action of separation and analysis proceeds without interruption. This continuity preserves high productivity while the sequential distribution steps enhance resolution, allowing simultaneous achievement of speed and precision.
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 accurate and efficient separation and analysis of components in complex mixtures, providing quantitative information on properties and allowing for the partial purification of components, suitable for low concentrations and small volumes, particularly in microfluidic systems, improving the detection of biomolecules and understanding biological processes.
Implementation Method 1
providing a distribution of the component across contacting first and second fluid flows
Implementation Method 2
The behaviour of the component in a distribution step is indicative of an inherent chemical or physical property of that component
Implementation Method 3
providing a distribution of the component across contacting first and second fluid flows, such as laminar fluid flows
Data Source
AI summary
A method for analyzing a component is provided. The method includes the steps of: (iii) providing the electrophoretic or thermophoretic movement of the component into a second fluid flow; (iv) diverting a part of a first fluid flow, a part of the second fluid flow, or parts of the first fluid flow and the second fluid flow, wherein the diverted part is a third fluid flow which includes, the component; (v) contacting the third fluid flow with a fourth fluid flow, such as to form a laminar flow; (vi) providing the diffusion of the component into the fourth fluid flows.