Microplate Reader Gas Atmosphere Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional microplate readers fail to maintain physiological conditions for observing reactions in samples, leading to inaccurate measurements due to exposure to ambient air and lack of control over gas composition and temperature.
Innovation Solution
A microplate reader design that separates the sample space from the equipment space in a light-tight and gas-tight manner, using a sealing device and a control unit to manage gas composition and temperature, and includes a movement device for gas mixing and circulation, allowing for precise control of the gas atmosphere and temperature to simulate physiological conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the sample space is opened to ambient air for easy access and operation, then ease of operation is improved, but the ability to maintain physiological gas atmosphere deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two separate spaces: an equipment space for operational components and a sample space for sample containment. The separating plate creates a physical barrier that isolates the sample space, allowing independent control of gas atmosphere while maintaining ease of operation through automated systems in the equipment space.
Solution Approach 2:
A control unit acts as an intermediary between the operator and the sample space, managing gas flow, sealing, and atmospheric composition automatically. This eliminates the need for direct operator intervention in the sample space while maintaining precise control over physiological conditions.
2Reliability
If the sample space is sealed to maintain gas atmosphere, then reliability of physiological conditions is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service through automated gas flow control, automatic sealing mechanisms, and computer-controlled atmospheric management. The control unit autonomously maintains physiological conditions without requiring manual intervention, combining sealed reliability with operational ease.
3Stability of the object's composition
If gas flow is increased to improve mixing and circulation, then homogeneity of gas atmosphere is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gas flow system is designed to be dynamic and adaptive, adjusting flow rates based on measurement phase and atmospheric requirements. During critical measurement periods, flow is minimized to reduce energy consumption, while during setup and transition phases, enhanced circulation ensures homogeneous gas distribution.
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 fully automated, long-term measurements of luminescence, fluorescence, and absorbance without operator intervention, maintaining defined O2 and CO2 concentrations for microaerophilic, facultatively anaerobic, or obligately anaerobic microorganisms and eukaryotic cells, reducing errors from ambient air exposure.
Implementation Method 1
a control unit (6) for controlling the composition of a gas atmosphere (7) around the wells (3) containing samples of microplates (4) inserted in this microplate reader (1)
Implementation Method 2
measuring the luminescence and/or fluorescence of samples
Implementation Method 3
measuring the luminescence and/or fluorescence of samples
Implementation Method 4
an illumination device for irradiating or transilluminating samples in wells of the microplate(s) used in this microplate reader
Implementation Method 5
the sample space is separated from the equipment space in an essentially light-tight and/or essentially gas-tight manner by means of the separating plate
Implementation Method 6
the sample space is separated from the equipment space in an essentially light-tight and/or essentially gas-tight manner by means of the separating plate
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
This relates to a microplate reader (1) and a corresponding method, wherein the microplate reader (1) comprises at least one measuring device (2',2",2''') and a receiving device (5) for receiving at least one microplate (4) and for positioning the sample-containing wells (3) of this microplate(s) (4) relative to the at least one measuring device (2',2",2'''). The at least one measuring device (2',2",2''') serves to detect light emitted by samples in wells (3) of a microplate (4) inserted into this microplate reader (1), and/or light-transmitting samples in wells (3) of a microplate (4) inserted into this microplate reader (1).The microplate reader (1) according to the invention is characterized in that it comprises a control unit (6) for controlling the composition of a gas atmosphere (7) around the wells (3) containing the samples of microplates (4) inserted into this microplate reader (1). A corresponding use is particularly characterized in that living cells are measured in a controlled gas atmosphere (7), wherein the living cells are selected from a group comprising microaerophilic, facultatively anaerobic and obligately anaerobic microorganisms, as well as fungi and eukaryotic cells.