Dual-Mode Capillary Electrophoresis Optics for Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current capillary electrophoresis instruments can analyze only one sample at a time and require hardware modification and re-validation to switch between detection modes, limiting throughput and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A dual-mode capillary electrophoresis system utilizing a galvanometric scanning mirror to sequentially direct UV and laser radiation across multiple capillaries, with integrated detectors for UV absorption and laser-induced fluorescence, allowing simultaneous analysis of multiple samples without hardware changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If current instruments analyze only one sample at a time, then the instrument structure remains simple, but the throughput and productivity are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the sample analysis into multiple parallel capillaries (e.g., 8 capillaries arranged in a cartridge), allowing simultaneous analysis of multiple samples. Each capillary is independently illuminated and detected, enabling multi-sample throughput while maintaining a relatively compact instrument structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument is designed with a dual-mode detection system that can operate in both UV absorption mode and laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) mode using a shared optical platform. A single galvanometric scanner and detector system serve both detection modes, allowing the instrument to analyze multiple samples in either mode without requiring separate hardware systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the detection mode of current instruments is changed, then different detection capabilities are achieved, but hardware modification and re-validation are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a universal optical platform where a single galvanometric scanner, lens, and detector assembly serve both UV absorption and LIF detection modes. The UV source and laser source are both coupled to the same optical path, allowing mode switching through software control of the light sources without any hardware modification or re-validation.
Solution Approach 2:
The galvanometric scanner acts as an intermediary component that directs light from either the UV source or laser source through the same optical path and detector system. This intermediary mechanism enables seamless switching between detection modes while maintaining a consistent hardware platform, eliminating the need for hardware modifications.
3Productivity
If multiple capillaries are analyzed simultaneously, then throughput increases, but the optical system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is segmented into modular components: a single galvanometric scanner that sequentially addresses multiple capillaries, a shared focusing lens, and a detector system that processes signals from all capillaries. This segmentation allows simultaneous analysis of multiple samples while keeping each optical component relatively simple and manageable.
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 simultaneous analysis of multiple samples in both UV absorption and laser-induced fluorescence modes, enhancing throughput and eliminating the need for hardware modifications during mode switching.
Implementation Method 1
a first detector positioned relative to the capillaries so as to receive at least a portion of the UV radiation passing through each of the capillaries
Implementation Method 2
laser radiation can excite fluorescent label(s) attached to samples disposed in the capillaries
Implementation Method 3
ultraviolet (UV) radiation can be employed to excite native fluorescence of biologic samples
Implementation Method 4
a galvanometric mirror configured to receive radiation from the UV radiation source along the first path and to receive light from the laser light source along the second path, and to direct the received UV radiation and the laser light onto a common optical path
Implementation Method 5
At least one bundle of optical fibers is positioned relative to the capillaries to receive at least a portion of fluorescent radiation emitted by a sample disposed in each of the capillaries
Implementation Method 6
A lens can be disposed between the galvanometric mirror and the plurality of capillaries for focusing the UV radiation and the laser light onto the capillaries
Data Source
AI summary
A dual-mode capillary electrophoresis system (100) is disclosed, which comprises a plurality of capillaries for receiving a plurality of samples, a UV radiation source (120) for generating UV radiation along a first path (PB), a laser light source (110) for generating laser radiation along a second path (PA), and a galvanometric mirror (116) configured to receive radiation from said UV radiation source along said first path and to receive light from said laser light source along said second path, and to direct said received UV radiation and said laser light onto a common optical path, said galvanometric minor further being configured to scan said UV radiation and said laser light sequentially over said plurality of capillaries. The system can further include a detector (190) for detecting the UV radiation as well as a detector (180) for detecting fluorescent radiation via optical fibers (185) emitted by the samples in response to laser excitation.