Particle Analysis with Near-Sample Temperature Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) instruments face challenges in accurately measuring particle size due to temperature-related errors, as conventional temperature sensors are often distant from the sample, leading to inaccuracies in temperature measurement and subsequent particle size determination.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a temperature sensor disposed within 3mm of the sample, integrated into the optical component of the instrument, such as a prism or sample cell, ensures precise temperature measurement by minimizing thermal lag and gradients, allowing for accurate particle size determination using the Stokes-Einstein equation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional flow cytometry is used to analyze multiple parameters simultaneously, then measurement capability is improved, but sample consumption increases and measurement speed decreases due to serial measurement requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement process by using multiple independent detection channels (at least two channels with different wavelengths) that can simultaneously measure different parameters of the same particle population, eliminating the need for serial measurements and enabling parallel multi-parameter analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The flow cytometer is designed with multi-functional detection capabilities where a single instrument can perform multiple parameter measurements (scatter signals at different angles, fluorescence at different wavelengths) simultaneously through multiple detection channels, improving both measurement precision and productivity
2Measurement precision
If conventional flow cytometry is used for detailed particle analysis, then measurement capability is improved, but sample volume consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service analysis by providing comprehensive multi-parameter measurements from minimal sample input, where the multiple detection channels extract maximum information from each particle passing through the measurement zone, reducing the need for large sample volumes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameters by using multiple detection wavelengths and scatter angles simultaneously, allowing comprehensive particle characterization from limited sample material, thereby reducing sample volume requirements while maintaining or improving measurement precision
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
This configuration achieves high-accuracy particle size measurement by reducing temperature-related errors, maintaining sample temperature control with minimal thermal lag and gradient, thereby enhancing the precision of nanoparticle tracking and dynamic light scattering analyses.
Implementation Method 1
a flow cell for hydrodynamic focusing of a stream of liquid to be analysed
Implementation Method 2
interaction of a laser beam with particles in the stream to generate scatter and fluorescence signals
Implementation Method 3
interaction of a laser beam with particles in the stream to generate scatter and fluorescence signals
Data Source
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Figure 5
AI summary
A particle characterisation instrument (100, 200) is disclosed, comprising: a sample cell(106, 206), for holding a sample (104, 204) comprising particles suspended in diluent fluid; a light source (101, 201) configured to illuminate the sample (104, 204) with alight beam (108, 208), thereby producing scattered light from the interaction of the light beam (108, 208) with the particles; a light detector (103, 203), configured to detect the scattered light and to output scattering data indicative of the diffusion coefficient of the particles in the diluent; a processor (105, 205), configured to determine a property of the particles from the scattering data; and a temperature sensor (107, 207), in conductive thermal contact with a wall (116, 216) of the sample cell (106, 206) and at a distance of less than 5mm from the sample (104, 204). The processor (105, 205) is configured to use the output of the temperature sensor (107, 207) in determining the property of the particles such that the property of the particles determined by the processor (105, 205) is responsive to an output from the temperature sensor (107, 207).