Pin Array Sampling for High Spatial Resolution Chemical Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for surface sampling probes lack the capability for high spatial-resolution analysis of chemical compositions, limiting the efficiency in determining the precise distribution of chemical components in specimens.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing an array of pins with a sampling device and a stepper mechanism to form testing solutions, where the pins are moved relative to the sampling device to dissolve samples and analyze the chemical composition, allowing for high spatial-resolution analysis by plotting properties corresponding to the pin arrangement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional surface sampling probes are used, then chemical analysis can be performed, but spatial resolution is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling system is segmented into multiple independent pins arranged in an array, where each pin can independently contact the specimen at a specific location. This segmentation enables high spatial resolution by allowing individual pin-level sampling while keeping each pin simple in structure, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The pins serve as intermediaries between the specimen and the sampling device. Each pin contacts the specimen surface to collect samples, then the sampling device dissolves and analyzes the samples from multiple pins sequentially. This intermediary approach allows high spatial resolution through pin arrangement without requiring the entire sampling device to be complex.
2Productivity
If multiple samples are analyzed simultaneously, then productivity increases, but contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic action by sequentially dissolving and analyzing samples from multiple pins in a systematic sequence rather than simultaneously. The stepper mechanism moves pins through dissolution and analysis zones in turns, maintaining high productivity through efficient sequencing while minimizing contamination risk by isolating each sample's processing path in time.
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 high spatial-resolution analysis of chemical compositions, reducing contamination risks and improving the accuracy of chemical component distribution mapping, as the resolution is limited by the pin size rather than the sampling device size.
Implementation Method 1
contacting a liquid with a specimen on the at least one pin to form a testing solution
Implementation Method 2
The external orifice can be adapted for forming a meniscus with a liquid in the capillary
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for analyzing a chemical composition of a specimen are described. The system can include at least one pin; a sampling device configured to contact a liquid with a specimen on the at least one pin to form a testing solution; and a stepper mechanism configured to move the at least one pin and the sampling device relative to one another. The system can also include an analytical instrument for determining a chemical composition of the specimen from the testing solution. In particular, the systems and methods described herein enable chemical analysis of specimens, such as tissue, to be evaluated in a manner that the spatial-resolution is limited by the size of the pins used to obtain tissue samples, not the size of the sampling device used to solubilize the samples coupled to the pins.