Non-contiguous Sample Fractionating and Concatenating Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current two-dimensional liquid chromatography methods, such as 2D RP-RPLC, suffer from incomplete separation orthogonality and require manual, labor-intensive processes for sample fractionation and concatenation, leading to sample loss and reduced reproducibility in proteomic analysis.
Innovation Solution
A non-contiguous sample fractionating and concatenating device and dual online multidimensional liquid chromatography system that automates the fractionation and concatenation process, using a sample supply module, fractionation valves, and storage loops to evenly divide and store sample fractions, thereby achieving high separation orthogonality and reducing manual handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual fractionation and concatenation processes are used in two-dimensional liquid chromatography, then separation orthogonality can be achieved, but sample loss increases and reproducibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automated fraction collection and concatenation without manual intervention. The control unit automatically controls the fraction collector to collect fractions from the first dimension separation, and automatically controls the concatenation valve to concatenate fractions to the second dimension separation column, enabling the system to serve itself and eliminate human error
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated control system that uses electronic signals to control valves and fraction collectors. The control unit substitutes human operators by automatically managing the entire fractionation and concatenation process based on pre-set parameters
2Manufacturing precision
If non-contiguous concatenation is performed manually to fully utilize separation space, then separation orthogonality improves, but operation complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-configures the non-contiguous concatenation pattern before separation begins. The control unit is programmed with the specific fraction mapping (e.g., fractions 1, 6, 11, 16 from first dimension to specific positions in second dimension), allowing the system to execute the complex concatenation pattern automatically without real-time manual calculation or adjustment
Solution Approach 2:
The automated control system independently manages the complex non-contiguous concatenation process without human intervention. The fraction collector and concatenation valve are automatically controlled according to pre-set parameters, enabling the system to handle complex separation patterns as easily as simple ones
3Productivity
If continuous sample supply is used in fractionation, then productivity increases, but fraction uniformity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic fraction collection where the fraction collector operates in regular intervals to collect discrete fractions from the continuous sample flow. Each fraction is collected for a predetermined time period, creating uniform discrete units from the continuous stream while maintaining high productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The continuous sample stream is segmented into discrete, uniform fractions by the automated fraction collector. Each fraction represents an equal time interval and contains equivalent sample volume, transforming continuous flow into uniform discrete units that can be systematically concatenated
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 system improves reproducibility and reduces sample loss by automating the fractionation and concatenation process, achieving low sample complexity and high fraction uniformity, thereby enhancing the efficiency of proteomic analysis.
Implementation Method 1
a method including fractionating a sample according to the degree of hydrophobicity at alkaline pH and separating the separated fractions again according to the degree of hydrophobicity under acidic pH condition (two-dimensional reversed-phase liquid chromatography-reversed-phase liquid chromatography, 2D RP-RPLC)
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are non-contiguous sample fractionating and concatenating device and a dual online multidimensional liquid chromatography system having the same. The non-contiguous sample fractionating and concatenating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a sample supply module which supplies a sample to be analyzed, and a sample fractionation module connected to the sample supply module, and which is continuously supplied with the sample, sets a plurality of unit sample supply times obtained by equally dividing a total sample supply time during which the sample is supplied from the sample supply module, sets a plurality of unit fractionation intervals obtained by equally dividing each of the plurality of unit sample supply times, and concatenates and stores the sample supplied during corresponding unit fractionation intervals within each unit sample supply time to acquire a plurality of fractions.