High-Pressure Light Scattering Cell for Isolated Sample Measurement

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional light scattering techniques are limited in providing single molecule structural information for solutions under high pressure and do not readily isolate samples from the pressurizing medium, while existing methods like NMR are time-consuming and expensive, and large-scale facilities are limited in accessibility.

Innovation Solution

A high-pressure light scattering apparatus equipped with a pressure cell and external condition-inducing system, allowing for the measurement of light scattering properties of biological samples under controlled pressure and temperature conditions, using a laser source, light-transmissive windows, and detectors to analyze scattered light characteristics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional light scattering techniques are used, then measurement capability is provided, but isolation from pressurizing medium is not achieved and single molecule structural information is not obtainable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesingle molecule structural informationVSAvoidisolation mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure cell is divided into two separate chambers: a sample chamber containing the biological sample and a pressurizing medium chamber containing the pressurizing fluid. These chambers are separated by a transparent partition wall that allows pressure transmission while keeping the sample isolated from the pressurizing medium. This segmentation enables precise measurement of single molecule structural information without contamination from the pressurizing medium.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A transparent partition wall acts as an intermediary between the pressurizing medium and the sample. This partition transmits pressure from the pressurizing medium to the sample while preventing direct contact between the two, thus isolating the sample from the pressurizing medium while maintaining pressure equilibrium. This intermediary structure enables both isolation and pressure transmission simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If NMR techniques are used, then molecular structure information is obtained, but time consumption and equipment cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemolecular structure informationVSAvoidmeasurement time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) techniques with light scattering techniques. Instead of using complex magnetic field-based NMR instrumentation and lengthy data collection processes, the system uses a laser beam to illuminate the sample and detect scattered light patterns. This substitution dramatically reduces measurement time and equipment cost while still providing detailed molecular structure information about protein folding, aggregation, and interactions under pressure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If high pressure is applied to study protein interactions, then aggregation mechanisms are revealed, but sample isolation from pressurizing medium becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotein-protein interaction dataVSAvoidsample contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure cell is divided into two separate chambers: a sample chamber containing the biological sample and a pressurizing medium chamber containing the pressurizing fluid. These chambers are separated by a transparent partition wall that allows pressure transmission while keeping the sample isolated from the pressurizing medium. This segmentation enables precise measurement of single molecule structural information without contamination from the pressurizing medium.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A transparent partition wall acts as an intermediary between the pressurizing medium and the sample. This partition transmits pressure from the pressurizing medium to the sample while preventing direct contact between the two, thus isolating the sample from the pressurizing medium while maintaining pressure equilibrium. This intermediary structure enables both isolation and pressure transmission simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Stress or pressure

If conventional pressure cells are used, then pressure application is achieved, but light transmission and detection capability are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure applicationVSAvoidlight transmission

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The partition wall separating the sample chamber from the pressurizing medium is made of transparent material (such as quartz or glass) with optimized optical properties. This parameter change in the material properties of the partition wall enables it to simultaneously withstand high pressure (up to 350 MPa) and transmit laser light effectively. The transparent material allows the laser beam to pass through while maintaining the pressure differential and sample isolation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 the study of protein-protein interactions and protein aggregation mechanisms under elevated pressures, providing accurate data on molecular shape, size, and interactions, and facilitating long-term stability predictions.

Implementation Method 1

a laser source configured to emit a laser beam along a path... one or more light scattering detectors positioned adjacent the one or more windows orthogonal to the path of the laser beam and configured to detect one or more characteristics of light scattered from the laser beam passing through the sample

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight scattering: Scattering

Implementation Method 2

a pressure cell mounted to the chassis. The pressure cell includes a chamber defined by one or more walls and configured to contain a fluid pressurized up to 350 MPa

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrostatic pressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 3

an external condition-inducing system configured to provide a predetermined temperature and pressure of the fluid within the pressure cell chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTemperature control: Heating

Data Source

PatentUS20260063535A1System and apparatus for measuring scattered light signals from pressurized solutions and method of assembly

Publication Date: 2026.03.05 UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE

AI summary

A system for evaluating light scattering properties of a liquid sample includes a light scattering instrument with a chassis and a laser source that emits a laser beam along a path. An apparatus includes a pressure cell with a chamber for containing a fluid pressurized up to 350 MPa and a plurality of light-transmissive windows, including a beam entry window and a beam exit window positioned in the path of the laser beam, and one or more windows positioned orthogonal to the path of the laser beam. A biological sample is received in the pressure cell. A plurality of detectors includes a transmission detector disposed adjacent the beam exit window, or light scattering detectors positioned adjacent the windows orthogonal to the path of the laser beam and configured to detect light scattered from the laser beam passing through the sample. An external condition-inducing system provides a fluid temperature and pressure.