Photo-Induced Damage Mitigating Agents for Analytical Reactions

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Solution Overview

Problem

In analytical chemistry and biochemistry, the use of optically detectable labeling groups like fluorescent or chemiluminescent agents can cause photo-induced damage to reactants due to exposure to light sources, which is exacerbated in small reactant volumes, limiting signal generation and reaction accuracy in high-throughput applications.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of photo-induced damage mitigating agents, such as quinone derivatives and 6-hydroxy-2,5,7,8-tetramethylchroman-2-carboxylic acid, which act as triplet-state quenchers or free radical scavengers to reduce damage to reactants during illuminated reactions, either by inclusion in the reaction mixture or immobilization near the reaction site.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If smaller reactant volumes are used to increase concentration and signal intensity, then signal generation is improved, but photo-induced damage to reactants increases dramatically

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereactant concentrationVSAvoidphoto-induced damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces photo-induced damage mitigating agents as intermediary substances that absorb excess energy and prevent direct photo-damage to reactants. These agents act as protective mediators between the light source and the reactants, allowing high-concentration reactions to proceed without severe photodamage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful effect of excess light energy into a beneficial protective mechanism. The mitigating agents utilize the absorbed energy to quench triplet states and scavenge free radicals, transforming what would be destructive photodamage into a controlled energy dissipation process that protects the reactants.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Duration of action of moving object

If prolonged illumination is applied to ensure complete reaction and detectability, then reaction monitoring is improved, but reactant degradation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveillumination durationVSAvoidreactant integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by pre-introducing photo-induced damage mitigating agents into the reaction system before illumination begins. These agents are positioned in advance to cushion against the cumulative effects of prolonged light exposure, preventing reactant degradation before it can occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables continuity of useful action by maintaining reactant integrity throughout prolonged illumination through the continuous protective activity of the mitigating agents. The agents continuously quench triplet states and scavenge radicals, allowing the reaction to proceed uninterrupted without significant photodamage accumulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Measurement precision

If traditional excess reactant conditions are used to compensate for photo-damage, then signal detection is maintained, but reagent consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal detectabilityVSAvoidreagent consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the protective parameter from using excess reactants to using specialized mitigating agents. Instead of relying on large quantities of reactants to statistically compensate for photodamage, the system uses optimized concentrations of photo-induced damage mitigating agents that actively protect reactants, thereby reducing overall reagent consumption while maintaining signal precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

These agents extend the photo-induced damage threshold period, reducing reactant degradation and maintaining signal integrity in small volumes, thereby enhancing the reliability and duration of analytical reactions.

Implementation Method 1

the photo-induced damage mitigating agent is a triplet-state quencher

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTriplet-state quenching: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

the photo-induced damage mitigating agent is a free radical quencher

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFree radical scavenging: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 3

fluorescent or chemiluminescent groups

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluorescence: Fluorescence

Data Source

PatentUS8388982B2Photo-induced damage mitigating agents and preparation and methods of use thereof

Publication Date: 2013.03.05 PACIFIC BIOSCIENCES OF CALIFORNIA INC

AI summary

Compositions, devices, systems and methods for reducing and/or preventing photo-induced damage of one or more reactants in an illuminated analytical reaction by addition of one or more photo-induced damage mitigating agents to the reaction mixture and allowing the reaction to proceed for a period that is less than a photo-induced damage threshold period.