Multi-Sample DSC Carrier With Individual Sensors for High Throughput
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) instruments are limited to analyzing a small number of samples at a time, requiring long waiting times and large sample volumes, making them economically unviable for high-throughput applications.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for simultaneous thermal analysis of multiple samples using a sample carrier with individual sensors, a heating/cooling unit, and a measuring device, allowing for high sample throughput and reproducible measurements of small volumes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional DSC instruments analyze samples sequentially one at a time, then measurement precision is maintained, but productivity is severely limited and analysis time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the sample analysis process into multiple independent measurement channels, each with its own sensor and sample vessel. The sample carrier is segmented into multiple positions (e.g., 96-well plate format), allowing parallel analysis of multiple samples simultaneously while maintaining individual measurement precision for each sample.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple individual DSC measurement systems are merged into a single integrated instrument. The system combines multiple sensors, heating/cooling units, and measurement electronics into one coordinated platform that can analyze multiple samples in parallel, achieving high throughput without sacrificing measurement quality.
2Measurement precision
If conventional DSC instruments use large sample volumes to ensure reproducible measurements, then measurement precision is improved, but the amount of substance required increases making the method economically unviable
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces traditional mechanical sample handling and measurement approaches with a miniaturized sensor-based measurement system. Each sensor is designed to work with small sample volumes (microliter range), using direct thermal coupling between the sensor and sample to achieve reproducible measurements without requiring large sample quantities.
3Measurement precision
If conventional DSC instruments perform individual sample analyses, then measurement precision is maintained, but loss of time increases due to sequential processing
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables continuous parallel analysis of multiple samples by maintaining all measurement channels active simultaneously. While one sample is being analyzed in channel 1, other samples are being analyzed in channels 2-N, eliminating idle waiting time and maximizing the utilization of the instrument throughout the analysis period.
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 faster, more cost-effective analysis of multiple samples under identical conditions, reducing preparation and analysis time, and increasing sample throughput, particularly in biotechnological and medical diagnostics.
Implementation Method 1
at least one sample carrier (10) having several sample vessels (11), wherein each sample vessel (11) is assigned an individual sensor (12) for measuring the amount of heat emitted or absorbed by the individual sample during the thermal analysis
Implementation Method 2
a heating and/or cooling unit (19) for simultaneously temperature-controlling the individual samples contained in the sample vessels
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a system for the simultaneous thermal analysis of a plurality of individual samples of a material, in particular a biological material, by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), with at least one sample carrier comprising several sample vessels, wherein each sample vessel is assigned an individual sensor for measuring a quantity of heat emitted or absorbed by the individual sample during the thermal analysis; a heating and/or cooling unit for the simultaneous temperature application to the individual samples contained in the sample vessels, with a receptacle for the at least one sample carrier;a measuring device which is connected to the individual sensors and is designed to simultaneously record a measured value for the amount of heat emitted or absorbed by the individual samples during thermal analysis, a sample carrier, in particular for use in this system, and a method for the simultaneous analysis of a large number of individual samples or groups of individual samples by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC).