Modular Chromatography Column with Movable Adaptor Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The pharmaceutical and biological industries face challenges with the inflexibility of chromatography columns, requiring multiple sizes for different substances, and the inefficiencies in oligonucleotide and peptide synthesis processes, including high manual handling and excessive use of expensive reagents and solvents.
Innovation Solution
A modular column arrangement with a motorized, automated adaptor system that allows for adjustable tubular housing and optimized reagent distribution, reducing the need for multiple column sizes and minimizing manual handling through programmed control of the synthesis process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional chromatography columns with fixed high and diameter are used, then the column structure is simple and stable, but the flexibility and adaptability to different substances are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The column is divided into a stationary tubular housing and a movable adaptor assembly that can be independently positioned. The adaptor assembly includes a distributor plate and filter that can move vertically along the adaptor rod, allowing the column configuration to be segmented and reconfigured for different chromatography needs without changing the entire column structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The adaptor assembly is made movable along the adaptor rod through threaded engagement, allowing dynamic adjustment of the adaptor assembly position relative to the tubular housing. This enables the column to adapt its internal configuration dynamically for different substances while maintaining structural stability through controlled mechanical movement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple chromatography apparatuses of different sizes are used for different substances, then the adaptability to various proteins, peptides and nucleic acids is improved, but the device complexity and number of apparatuses increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single chromatography apparatus is designed to handle multiple different substances (proteins, peptides, nucleic acids) by adjusting the adaptor assembly position and configuration. The universal design allows one apparatus to perform the functions of multiple specialized columns through programmable control of the movable adaptor assembly, reducing the total number of apparatuses needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable adaptor assembly can be repositioned to different heights along the adaptor rod depending on the substance being processed, enabling the same apparatus to adapt its effective column volume and configuration dynamically for different applications rather than requiring separate fixed-size apparatuses.
3Productivity
If manual handling is used throughout the synthesis process, then the process is simple to operate, but the productivity and efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates automated control where the adaptor assembly moves itself along the adaptor rod based on programmed instructions, and the distributor plate automatically distributes reagents. This self-service automation reduces manual handling while maintaining operational simplicity through centralized control programming that manages the synthesis process sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical operations are replaced with programmable automated control systems that manage the adaptor assembly movement and reagent distribution. The automation substitutes human-operated mechanical steps with electronically controlled mechanisms, increasing productivity while keeping the underlying mechanical principles simple and maintainable.
4Reliability
If excess reagents and solvents are used in oligonucleotide and peptide synthesis, then the completeness of reaction is improved, but the loss of substance and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The distributor plate provides localized and uniform distribution of reagents and solvents across the packed bed through its perforated structure. This ensures that reagents are delivered precisely where needed in the chromatography medium, improving reaction completeness while minimizing excess reagent usage by avoiding blanket over-application throughout the entire column volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses controlled partial action by adjusting the adaptor assembly position to optimize the active reaction zone, applying reagents only to the necessary portion of the packed bed rather than excessive amounts throughout the entire column, thereby achieving complete reaction with minimized reagent consumption.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an arrangement (1) for a column (2) comprising a stand provided with a platform (6) adapted to receive a second end (8) of a tubular housing (10) and for supporting the arrangement (1) on a floor (9),a first end unit (11) removably connected to a first end of the tubular housing (10), an adaptor assembly (14) movable within said tubular housing (10) and an adaptor rod (12) connected to said adaptor assembly (14), which adaptor rod (12) is arranged to extend through an opening in the first end unit (11). A frame (22) is connected to the first end unit (11), which frame (22) and first end unit (11) can be lifted and lowered in a substantially vertical direction, so that the tubular housing (10) may be removed and substituted for another tubular housing (10') with different dimensions in relation to the removed tubular housing (10) when the frame (22) and first end unit (11) are lifted. The invention also relates to a method for substituting a tubular housing in an arrangement for a column, a method for conducting peptide and/or oligonucleotide synthesis in a column (2), a computer program (P) for controlling peptide and/or oligonucleotide synthesis in a column (2) and a computer program product comprising program code.