Microtitre Plate with Variable Separation Matrix Volumes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current microtitre plates for high-throughput screening of adsorption systems face limitations in efficiently determining adsorption isotherms, as they often require changing sample or separation matrix volumes, which is difficult and impractical, especially when dealing with complex sample compositions and limited experimental volumes.

Innovation Solution

A microtitre plate with varying volumes of separation matrix in each well, allowing the same sample volume and concentration to be used across wells, enabling the collection of high-quality adsorption equilibria data through a specific algorithmic distribution of matrix volumes, facilitating the determination of adsorption isotherms with minimal data points.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the same sample volume and concentration are used in all wells, then the ease of operation is improved, but the ability to obtain diverse adsorption data points deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidmeasurement precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by varying the separation matrix volume in different wells while keeping sample volume and concentration uniform. This creates local differences in the adsorption system (different matrix volumes) that enable diverse data collection without changing the sampling procedure, thus maintaining ease of operation while improving measurement precision for adsorption isotherm determination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Measurement precision

If different separation matrix volumes are used in different wells, then the measurement precision for adsorption isotherms is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the separation matrix volume across different wells, creating a series of discrete volume variations (e.g., 0.5 mL, 1.0 mL, 1.5 mL, 2.0 mL) that correspond to different data points on the adsorption isotherm. This segmentation approach enables precise measurement at multiple operating points while maintaining a simple overall device structure that can be implemented in standard microtitre plates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Measurement precision

If multiple data points for adsorption isotherms are collected, then the measurement precision is improved, but the loss of time and resources increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoidloss of time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple adsorption measurements into a single experimental run by using different separation matrix volumes in parallel wells. Instead of performing separate experiments for each data point (which would consume more time and resources), all necessary measurements are combined in one plate, reducing both time loss and resource consumption while maintaining high measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Adaptability or versatility

If the separation matrix volume is varied, then the adaptability for studying adsorption equilibria is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the volume parameter of the separation matrix to create different operating conditions for adsorption studies. By varying this single parameter (matrix volume) while keeping other conditions constant, the system achieves high adaptability for studying adsorption equilibria at different points on the isotherm curve without requiring complex manufacturing precision, as volume variations can be achieved through simple filling procedures rather than precision manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 allows for precise description of adsorption processes by distributing different volumes of separation matrix, enabling the collection of sufficient adsorption data with the smallest number of data points, thereby improving the understanding of adsorption isotherms and separation processes.

Implementation Method 1

adsorption isotherms are fundamental property of any separation systems, and an isotherm should always be determined in order to full understand governing principles behind an adsorption process

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentUS10265697B2Micro titre plate
Publication Date: 2019.04.23 CYTIVA BIOPROCESS R&D AB
  • US10265697B2 patent drawing
  • US10265697B2 patent drawing
  • US10265697B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A micro titre plate comprising a number of wells filled with separation matrix. According to the invention the volume of the separation matrix is varied between at least some of the wells.