Inspection Implement with Periodic Wall for Endotoxin Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods face challenges in accurately measuring low concentrations of substances like endotoxin, particularly below 0.001 EU/ml, due to limitations in light scattering detection and aggregation size variability.
Innovation Solution
An implement for inspection featuring a compound that reacts with or binds to the test substance to form a granular substance, combined with a wall portion having a periodic structure, allows for precise measurement by altering optical responses such as reflected light intensity, even at low concentrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional light scattering detection methods are used to measure endotoxin concentration, then the measurement process is simple, but the measurement precision deteriorates at low concentrations (0.001 EU/ml or less)
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the measurement parameter from direct light scattering intensity to optical path length difference. By measuring the difference in optical path length between a sample solution and a reference solution, the method achieves high precision at low concentrations where direct scattering measurement fails. This parameter transformation converts an undetectable signal into a measurable differential signal.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary measurement approach using a reference solution. Instead of directly measuring the weak scattering signal from low-concentration endotoxin, the system uses a reference solution to create a differential measurement. This intermediary reference enables the detection of subtle changes that would otherwise be lost in noise.
2Measurement precision
If LAL reagent reacts with endotoxin to form gel-like film or aggregates, then the concentration can be measured, but the aggregation size variability reduces measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the measurement from the variable aggregation process. Instead of measuring properties of the aggregates themselves (which vary in size and composition), the method measures the optical path length difference caused by the presence of aggregates. This separates the measurement from the aggregation variability, achieving consistent results regardless of aggregate size distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces direct physical measurement of aggregates with an optical measurement system. Instead of mechanically characterizing aggregate size and distribution, the system uses optical path length difference to infer concentration. This substitution eliminates the need for consistent aggregate properties while maintaining measurement accuracy.
3Productivity
If conventional inspection methods are used, then the device complexity is low, but the productivity deteriorates due to inability to rapidly measure low concentrations
Solution Approach 1:
The invention enables continuous measurement capability by using a differential optical path length method that works at any concentration level. Unlike conventional methods that require aggregation time and have detection thresholds, this system can continuously measure low concentrations without waiting for aggregate formation, significantly improving productivity while maintaining 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
This approach enables high-accuracy and rapid measurement of test substance concentrations, including those at very low levels, by leveraging changes in optical responses from the periodic structure, improving detection sensitivity and speed.
Implementation Method 1
a wall portion having a periodic structure on its surface
Implementation Method 2
a compound for reacting with the test substance to form a granular substance
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is an implement for inspection capable of measuring the concentration of a test substance with high accuracy. The implement for inspection according to the present invention is an implement for inspection used for measuring the concentration of a test substance that includes a compound for reacting with a test substance to form a granular substance or a compound which is for being bound to the test substance and is a granular substance, and a wall portion having a periodic structure on its surface.