Micro Solid Phase Extraction Cartridge with Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional sample preparation methods for complex biological samples, such as solid phase extraction, protein precipitation, and liquid-liquid extraction, are not compatible with microfluidic liquid chromatography (μLC) due to their requirement for large sample volumes, leading to waste and excess cost, and are not suitable for trace analysis.
Innovation Solution
The development of micro solid phase extraction (μSPE) devices with temperature control and sorbent materials having antibodies or enzymes attached to selectively retain analytes, allowing for efficient washing, extraction, and separation of samples in a cartridge format, enabling sensitive μLC/MS analysis with minimal sample dilution and dispersion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional sample preparation methods (SPE, LLE, PP) are used, then sample washing and extraction can be achieved, but large sample volumes (0.2-1 mL) are required leading to waste and excess cost
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the sample preparation process into micro-scale operations within a μSPE device, dividing the traditional bulk sample handling into controlled microfluidic channels that process only the necessary sample volume, thereby reducing waste while maintaining extraction efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameters of the sample preparation system by transitioning from macro-scale SPE devices to micro-scale devices with dimensions in the micrometer range, enabling efficient sample processing with volumes as low as nanoliters while reducing overall sample consumption
2Quantity of substance
If traditional sample preparation methods are used, then extraction can be performed, but sample volume increases to 0.5-10 mL causing dilution and incompatibility with μLC
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from two-dimensional bulk sample processing to three-dimensional microfluidic channel processing, where samples flow through confined microchannels that maintain concentration integrity and prevent dilution while enabling efficient extraction and preparation for μLC analysis
3Adaptability or versatility
If sufficient sample volume is used for traditional methods, then extraction can be performed, but it precludes μLC analysis due to incompatibility
Solution Approach 1:
The μSPE device is designed as a universal platform that can handle various sample types and preparation needs while outputting concentrated samples in volumes compatible with μLC, enabling the same device to serve both extraction and microfluidic analysis requirements without method transfer issues
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 μSPE devices facilitate highly sensitive micro liquid chromatography/mass spectroscopy (μLC/MS) analysis by allowing for targeted analyte capture and concentration, reducing sample volume requirements, and enabling online or offline elution without contamination, thus overcoming the limitations of traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
The sorbent material includes particles that have antibodies attached to them to selectively retain analytes
Implementation Method 2
The cartridge also includes a temperature control element operatively coupled to the column segment and configured to control a temperature of the column
Implementation Method 3
a mobile phase source port at the column segment first end and in fluid communication with the column first end
Data Source
AI summary
Sample preparation and separation can be performed using a sample cartridge (201). The cartridge includes a barrel (204) with a first and second end, a column segment (209) connected to the second end of the barrel, and a column (205) containing a sorbent material. The sorbent material includes particles that have antibodies attached to them to selectively retain analytes, proteins attached to them to retain certain classes of antibodies, or enzymes attached to them to perform specific modifications to certain classes of molecules. The column segment can be in thermal communication with a temperature control device in order to control the temperature of the column.