Automated Liquid Chromatography Peak Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current liquid chromatography purification methods require manual decision-making for peak integration, which can lead to lower purity and efficiency in collecting target molecules, as they often rely on manual selection of eluent fractions without automated identification of peak characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A method that automates the identification of peaks and eluent fractions by analyzing output parameter trends, allowing for precise division of eluent flow into fractions and presenting information on purified samples, enabling higher purity and quicker decision-making in chromatography purification processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual selection of eluent fractions is used, then the operator can make decisions based on experience, but the purity and efficiency of collecting target molecules are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical decision-making process with an automated computer-based system that analyzes chromatogram data, identifies peaks, and determines eluent fractions containing target molecules, thereby eliminating human error and inconsistency while improving both purity and efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service automation where the computer automatically processes chromatography data, identifies peaks, calculates retention times, and determines which eluent fractions contain target molecules without requiring manual operator intervention, thus improving both accuracy and throughput
2Loss of time
If manual peak integration decisions are made, then flexibility in analysis is maintained, but time is lost in decision-making processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes manual visual inspection and decision-making with an automated computer system that processes chromatogram data, identifies peaks based on retention time windows, and determines eluent fractions containing target molecules, dramatically reducing analysis time while maintaining scientific rigor
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary automated analysis by pre-defining retention time windows based on expected target molecule behavior, then automatically identifies peaks and determines eluent fractions within these windows, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual evaluation while preserving analytical flexibility
3Manufacturing precision
If straight fractionation is used, then continuous tube switching is performed, but purity of collected protein peaks is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual fractionation strategy selection with an automated system that analyzes chromatogram data, identifies peak positions and shapes, and determines optimal fraction collection parameters, thereby achieving high purity collection without requiring complex manual decision-making or multiple purification steps
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 method enhances the purity of collected eluent fractions and allows for faster decision-making by automatically identifying peak characteristics and optimizing the collection of target molecules, resulting in higher concentration and purity compared to prior art methods.
Implementation Method 1
measuring an output parameter indicative of the content of the one or more target molecules in the eluent flow
Implementation Method 2
liquid chromatography is often the preferred purification method in this context. The term liquid chromatography embraces a family of closely related separation methods, which are all based on the principle that two mutually immiscible phases are brought into contact
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for performing liquid chromatography purification of one or more target molecules from a sample comprising: providing an eluent flow having one or more target molecules, measuring an output parameter indicative of the content of the one or more target molecules in the eluent flow, storing output parameter data, and dividing the eluent flow into consecutive eluent fractions, dividing the output parameter data into corresponding data fractions, in each data fraction obtaining a value indicative of characteristic behavior of the measured output parameter, identifying trends in the measured output parameter based upon the obtained value in consecutive data fractions, and identifying peak(s) in the measured output parameter correlated to eluent fractions based upon the identified trends, whereby information of identified peak(s) and correlated eluent fraction(s) can be presented and purified sample(s) from the eluent may be collected.