Automated LCMS Sample Handling With Integrated Purification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for biological sample delivery in liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LCMS) analysis are inefficient and lack a single system capable of performing multiple operations such as sample drawing, purification, titer calculation, titer normalization, CQA pre-treatment, and injection signal, leading to complexity and vulnerability due to software integration issues.
Innovation Solution
An automated fluid handling system comprising an inlet tube, multi-position selector valves, syringe pumps, a purification column, titer detection system, and a pre-treatment unit, which collectively perform sample drawing, purification, titer calculation, normalization, and pre-treatment for LCMS analysis, using components like hollow membrane fiber filters and syringe pumps controlled by stepper motors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate systems are used for sample draw, purification, titer calculation, and CQA analysis, then each function can be performed with specialized equipment, but the overall system complexity increases and software integration becomes vulnerable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate systems (sample draw, purification, titer calculation, and CQA analysis) into a single integrated automated liquid handling system. This merging eliminates the need for multiple software APIs and handoffs between separate systems, thereby improving reliability while managing complexity through unified control.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated liquid handling system is designed to perform multiple functions including sample aspiration, purification, titer calculation, and CQA analysis within a single platform. This multi-functionality reduces dependency on multiple specialized systems and their interconnections, enhancing system reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple software packages are integrated via APIs to achieve complete CQA analysis, then comprehensive analysis capability is achieved, but software updates can break integration and increase complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates titer calculation and CQA analysis capabilities directly into the automated liquid handling system, eliminating the need for separate software packages and API integrations. This unified approach maintains comprehensive analysis capability while avoiding the complexity and fragility of multi-software integrations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates multiple analytical functions (titer calculation, normalization, and CQA analysis) within a single software platform, enabling comprehensive biotherapeutic analysis without requiring integration with multiple external software packages.
3Ease of operation
If automated liquid handler uses only micropipettes and well plates for CQA analysis, then the system is simple to operate, but it cannot provide complete CQA analysis including titer calculation and normalization
Solution Approach 1:
The automated liquid handling system is designed to perform multiple functions including sample aspiration, purification, titer calculation, normalization, and CQA analysis within a single platform. This multi-functionality expands analysis capability while maintaining automated operation simplicity.
4Measurement precision
If different systems are used for titer calculation, titer normalization, and CQA pre-treatment, then each process can be optimized independently, but the overall workflow complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines titer calculation, titer normalization, and CQA pre-treatment into a single integrated automated liquid handling system. This unified approach maintains measurement precision through specialized algorithms while reducing workflow complexity by eliminating multiple system handoffs.
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
Provides a single, efficient, and effective solution for real-time CQA analysis, simplifying the sample handling process and reducing software integration complexities by integrating these functions into a unified system.
Implementation Method 1
a first multi-position selector valve fluidly connected to a hollow membrane fiber filter; wherein the first multi-position selector valve comprise at least one inlet port for fluidic connection with the inlet tube
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of syringe pumps fluidly connected to a hollow membrane fiber filter; wherein each of the plurality of syringe pumps is configured to aspire and dispense a fluid
Implementation Method 3
a titer detection system fluidly connected to the purification column, wherein the titer detection system is configured to determine titer concentration value of biological fluid sample
Data Source
AI summary
Presented is an automated fluid handling system for handling a biological fluid sample prior to being delivered for liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LCMS) analysis. The automated fluid handling system includes two multi-position selector valves fluidly connected to a hollow membrane fiber filter. Multiple syringe pumps are fluidly connected to the hollow membrane fiber filter. A purification column is fluidly connected to an outlet port of a multi-position selector valve. The automated fluid handling system is capable of conducting multiple operations needed before the liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LCMS) analysis.