Heated ICP Injector and Cell Stabilization for Signal Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inductively coupled plasma (ICP) sources face challenges in maintaining signal stability and preventing contamination during elemental analysis, particularly due to sample degradation and buildup in the injector, which affects the resolution and longevity of assays.
Innovation Solution
A stabilizing solution with a total dissolved solids content of at or below 0.2% and a salt concentration of at least 5 mM, such as ammonium nitrate, is used in conjunction with a heated injector to minimize osmotic pressure and prevent buildup, ensuring signal stability and reducing contamination over time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a stabilizing solution with low total dissolved solids (at or below 0.2%) is used, then signal stability is improved, but cell stability during injection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by carefully controlling the total dissolved solids concentration in the stabilizing solution to be at or below 0.2%, while simultaneously maintaining salt concentration at least 5 mM. This dual parameter optimization resolves the contradiction by finding the precise concentration range that satisfies both signal stability requirements and cell integrity maintenance during injection.
2Productivity
If traditional ICP-based elemental analyzers are used, then elemental analysis capability is provided, but contamination builds up on the injector over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the injection solution by incorporating a stabilizing solution with specific total dissolved solids content (≤0.2%) and salt concentration (≥5 mM). This modification alters the solution properties to reduce contamination buildup on the injector, thereby extending instrument longevity while maintaining full elemental analysis capability.
3Measurement precision
If cells are suspended in water to avoid metal background noise, then background noise is reduced, but caking onto the ICP injector wall increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the suspension medium parameters by adding salt to achieve a total dissolved solids content of at or below 0.2%. This parameter adjustment prevents caking onto the injector walls while maintaining low metal background noise, as the stabilizing solution chemistry reduces adhesion of cellular material to the injector surface.
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 solution effectively maintains high signal stability and prevents injector clogging, allowing for extended use without significant signal drop, even during prolonged sample runs, thereby enhancing the reliability and accuracy of elemental analysis.
Implementation Method 1
A stabilizing solution with a total dissolved solids content of at or below 0.2% and a salt concentration of at least 5 mM, such as ammonium nitrate, is used in conjunction with a heated injector to minimize osmotic pressure
Implementation Method 2
A stabilizing solution with a total dissolved solids content of at or below 0.2% and a salt concentration of at least 5 mM, such as ammonium nitrate, is used in conjunction with a heated injector to minimize osmotic pressure and prevent buildup
Implementation Method 3
A sample provided to the plasma generated by an ICP source can be ionized and atomized before being analyzed
Implementation Method 4
plasma is generated when a flow of gas, such as argon, is ionized in an intense electromagnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
Analyzing samples injected into an inductively coupled plasma source can be improved by one or more of a stabilizing solution mixable with a sample prior to injection and a heated injector. The stabilizing solution can minimize the difference in osmotic pressure between the solution and the cells with a relatively low amount of dissolved solids (e.g., at or below about 0.2%). The stabilizing solution can contain a salt (e.g., ammonium nitrate) present in concentrations of at least 5 mM. The injector can be heated before and/or during injection. In some cases, heat from adjacent parts can be channeled into the injector to improve heating of the injector. An injector heated to sufficient temperatures can minimize solute buildup and can extend the usable time between cleanings. These improvements can be especially useful in elemental analysis, such as inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry or inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry.