Molecular Sorbent Sampling for Trace Analysis and Sample Authentication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing analytical technologies struggle to quantify analytes at sub-part per billion concentrations and lack mechanisms to ensure sample identification, authenticity, and prevent adulteration during analysis.

Innovation Solution

A molecular cryptographic sampling device with a solid substrate coated with polymeric sorbents, containing molecular tags and encrypted codes, which can be interfaced with mass spectrometry instrumentation for analyte collection, enrichment, and identification, ensuring sample integrity and authenticity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If direct analysis technologies (DART, DESI, REIMS, LESA) are used for rapid qualitative and quantitative analysis, then sampling speed and analysis time are improved, but quantitation precision at sub-part per billion concentrations deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesampling speedVSAvoidquantitation precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The sampling device performs preliminary enrichment and concentration of analytes on the sorbent-coated substrate before analysis. The polymeric sorbents pre-concentrate target analytes from complex matrices, enabling sub-ppb quantitation while maintaining rapid sampling speeds.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Different areas of the substrate are coated with diverse polymeric sorbents having specific physiochemical characteristics tailored for different analyte types. This localized functional differentiation enables selective enrichment and improves quantitation precision for specific analytes while maintaining overall sampling efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Loss of time

If direct analysis technologies are used without sample preparation, then analysis time is reduced, but sample identification and authenticity verification capabilities deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanalysis timeVSAvoidsample identification capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Molecular cryptographic codes and unique identifying indicia are pre-encoded on the sampling device before sample collection. These embedded identifiers enable automatic verification of sample identity and device authentication without adding analysis time, ensuring reliability while maintaining speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The sampling device integrates multiple functions into a single platform: analyte collection, enrichment, cryptographic identification, and instrument calibration. This merging eliminates separate verification steps while preserving sample identification capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple functional areas are integrated into a single sampling device, then device versatility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The substrate is divided into multiple discrete areas, each coated with specific polymeric sorbents for different functions (analyte collection, calibration, internal standards, cryptographic codes). This segmentation enables versatile functionality while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure through spatial separation of functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A single sampling device incorporates multiple polymeric sorbent coatings that can collectively perform analyte collection, instrument calibration, quantitation, and identification functions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple separate devices while the modular area-based design keeps structural complexity manageable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 precise quantitation and identification of analytes, prevents sample adulteration, and ensures sample integrity through molecular tags and encrypted codes, enhancing the reliability of analytical results.

Implementation Method 1

a substrate having at least one depression or protrusion, a polymeric sorbent coating on the at least one depression or protrusion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentUS12362163B2Molecular cryptographic sampling devices and methods of making and using

Publication Date: 2025.07.15 RESTEK CORP

AI summary

A molecular cryptographic sampling device is disclosed including at least one unique identifying indicia disposed on the molecular cryptographic sampling device, a substrate including at least one depression disposed in or protrusion disposed on a surface of the substrate, at least one polymeric sorbent coating disposed on the at least one depression or protrusion, and at least one molecular encrypted code disposed on the at least one polymeric sorbent coating. The at least one molecular encrypted code includes at least one molecular tag, wherein the at least one molecular encrypted code is uniquely associated with the at least one unique identifying indicia in a database or by a predetermined algorithm.