Microvolume Spectrophotometer with State Determiner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spectrophotometers face challenges in accurately analyzing microvolume bio samples due to errors in sample dilution and the inability to recover and reuse diluted samples, which can lead to inconsistent results and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A spectrophotometric device that includes a base plate and a rotatable plate with a test beam radiator and a spectrophotometer, utilizing optical fibers and MEMS components to simplify the optical path and minimize components, allowing for accurate analysis of microvolume samples by checking the sample's accommodation state for stability and uniformity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a small amount of bio sample is diluted in various solutions to analyze spectroscopic properties, then the spectroscopic properties can be analyzed, but errors occur due to dilution time and accuracy, and the diluted sample cannot be recovered and reused
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the measurement approach by analyzing the absorption characteristics of light at different wavelengths directly in the undiluted microvolume sample. By using a spectrophotometer to measure absorbance at specific wavelengths (e.g., 260 nm for nucleic acids, 280 nm for proteins), the system obtains concentration information without requiring dilution, thus preserving the sample and eliminating dilution-related errors.
2Measurement precision
If conventional spectrophotometers are used for microvolume samples, then sample analysis can be performed, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts only the essential optical components needed for microvolume sample analysis. By using a simplified optical path with minimal components - primarily a light source, a spectrophotometer for wavelength selection, and a detector - the system achieves accurate microvolume measurement without the complexity of conventional spectrophotometers that are designed for larger sample volumes.
3Measurement precision
If conventional spectrophotometers are used for microvolume samples, then sample analysis can be performed, but the production costs and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention enables self-service operation where the system automatically measures the absorption characteristics of the microvolume sample without requiring manual dilution steps. The spectrophotometer automatically scans wavelengths and calculates concentration based on absorbance measurements, eliminating the need for operator intervention in sample preparation and reducing both time and labor costs.
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 device enables rapid and simple measurement of spectroscopic properties, reduces errors in analysis results, and minimizes the need for high-priced equipment, thereby reducing costs and increasing productivity in bio-sample analysis.
Implementation Method 1
a spectrophotometer for measuring a microvolume sample, the spectrophotometer being capable of measuring components by using absorption properties of a bio sample
Implementation Method 2
by using optical fibers to mechanically simplify an optical path and minimize optical components
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3(a)~3(b)
AI summary
Provided is a spectrophotometric device including a base plate including a first surface to accommodate a sample thereon, a rotatable plate including a second surface corresponding to and spaced a certain distance apart from the first surface, a test beam radiator connected to the first surface through a first beam guide to radiate a test beam to the sample accommodated on a beam path between the first and second surfaces, a spectrophotometer connected to the second surface through a second beam guide to analyze spectroscopic properties of the sample by analyzing a characteristic beam having passed through the sample accommodated on the beam path, and a state determiner provided near the beam path to determine whether the sample accommodated between the first and second surfaces is in a state in which analysis of optical properties is enabled.