Multiwell Plate Lid with Protruding Element for Light Scattering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multiwell plates face challenges in light scattering measurements due to high background signal, non-uniform fluid meniscus shape, and evaporation, which affect the accuracy and reliability of static and dynamic light scattering data.
Innovation Solution
A new lid structure for multiwell plates is introduced, featuring a surface that projects into the fluid to capture and direct the light beam, minimizing backscatter and evaporation, and incorporating adaptive physical barriers to seal the lid and prevent evaporation, while using light-absorbing or light-blocking materials to reduce background noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If standard multiwell plates are used for light scattering measurements, then high-throughput capability and reduced sample volume requirements are achieved, but high background signal from sidewalls and interfaces increases noise and decreases measurement sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the problematic air-sample interface by submerging the light scattering measurement volume in liquid. A liquid overlay is introduced to replace air above the sample, eliminating the source of background scattering from the air-liquid interface while preserving the multiwell plate's high-throughput capability
Solution Approach 2:
A liquid overlay substance is introduced as an intermediary between the sample and the air. This liquid layer acts as a mediator that prevents light scattering from the air-interface while allowing the measurement to proceed in the multiwell plate format, thus resolving the contradiction between throughput and signal quality
2Quantity of substance
If standard multiwell plates are used, then reduced sample volume requirements are achieved, but non-uniform fluid meniscus shape causes variability in background signal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by introducing a liquid overlay that specifically addresses the meniscus region. The overlay liquid has properties (surface tension, viscosity) tailored to create a uniform meniscus shape locally at the interface, while the bulk sample remains unchanged. This localized intervention eliminates background signal variability without affecting the small sample volumes in each well
3Productivity
If standard multiwell plates are used, then high-throughput measurement is enabled, but evaporation from wells affects measurement reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the evaporation problem by replacing air above the sample with liquid overlay. Since the measurement volume is submerged in liquid, evaporation from the sample is prevented. The liquid overlay acts as a physical barrier that blocks evaporative loss while allowing optical measurements to proceed, thus maintaining both throughput and reliability
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 solution enhances the uniformity of background signals, reduces background noise, and minimizes evaporation, leading to improved accuracy and reliability of light scattering measurements, allowing for lower sample concentrations and extended measurement times without sample interference.
Implementation Method 1
incorporating adaptive physical barriers to seal the lid and prevent evaporation, while using light-absorbing or light-blocking materials to reduce background noise
Implementation Method 2
Light scattering is a non-invasive technique for characterizing macromolecules and a wide range of particles in solution
Data Source
AI summary
A lid for a multiwell plates which allows improved light scattering measurement of liquid samples within the wells of a multiwell plate, and which at the same time mitigates evaporation from said samples is disclosed. A surface element protrudes from the bottom of the lid into the fluid in a well. The protruding element may be hollow or solid, and the beam of light, directed into the element may act to capture or direct the beam while preventing backscatter from reaching the light scattering detector or detectors. The protruding element may thus direct the beam from the well without the beam having to pass through a fluid/air interface. The angle and shape of the lid surfaces may be optimized to minimize or eliminate back-reflection. Light absorbing and/or light blocking colorization may also be employed to minimize or eliminate back reflection. Evaporation is controlled by physically capping the well with the lid, either sealing against the face at the top of the well or the inside surface of the well.