Plankton Reactor for Microplastic Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for sample preparation of microplastic particles in marine samples are inefficient and prone to contamination due to the need for multiple steps and manual intervention, which can lead to incomplete separation of biogenic and abiogenic components, especially when using enzymatic maceration techniques.
Innovation Solution
A compact reactor design with upper and lower filter arrangements and detachable connections for filling and emptying, allowing for a single-chamber maceration process with optimal flushing and reduced risk of contamination, using stainless steel gauze filters and silicone seals to ensure efficient separation of biogenic components from abiogenic particles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple steps and manual intervention are used in sample preparation, then separation of biogenic and abiogenic components can be achieved, but the risk of contamination and sample loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separation steps into a single integrated reactor system. The reaction chamber accommodates all necessary components (filters, pumps, connections) in one unit, eliminating the need for multiple separate operations and manual transfers between different containers. This merging reduces contamination risk while maintaining separation effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The reactor is designed as a multi-functional system that performs filtration, maceration, and sample handling all within one device. The single reaction chamber serves multiple purposes: it holds the sample, provides filtration through integrated filter arrangements, enables maceration through controlled liquid flow, and facilitates safe handling through closable connections. This multi-functionality reduces the number of operational steps and minimizes contamination opportunities.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple transfer steps are used in sample preparation, then complete separation can be achieved, but the time required and sample handling errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates all separation and processing functions into a single reactor system. The reaction chamber contains both filter arrangements and maceration capabilities in one location, eliminating the need to transfer samples between different containers. This consolidation reduces preparation time while maintaining complete separation through the integrated filtration and maceration processes.
3Productivity
If aggressive acid-alkaline systems are used, then rapid decomposition occurs, but the plastics may be attacked and contaminated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the maceration process by using enzymatic treatments instead of aggressive acid-alkaline systems. The reaction chamber allows controlled application of enzymes that specifically target biogenic components while leaving synthetic plastics intact. This parameter change maintains high decomposition rates for organic matter while protecting the plastic particles from degradation and contamination.
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 reactor enables high-efficiency maceration with minimized risk of contamination and loss, allowing for complete separation of biogenic components from microplastic particles, facilitating accurate analytical detection by eliminating the need for multiple transfer steps and reducing sample handling errors.
Implementation Method 1
at least one filter arrangement... upper filter arrangement with an upper filter disk... lower filter arrangement with a lower filter disk
Implementation Method 2
The present invention deals with the optimization of the sample preparation... enzymatic maceration... separation of biogenic and abiogenic components
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2H
AI summary
Microplastic particles with dimensions down to the micrometer range are increasingly found in all bodies of water and pose a demonstrable risk to humans and the environment. For reliable analytical detection, the microplastic particles must be extracted from plankton samples. Known preparation methods require transfer steps and different filters, which can lead to analytical errors due to contamination and particle loss. The reactor (01) according to the invention ("plankton reactor") consists of a cylindrical reaction chamber (02) with a lower filter plate (08) on which the cleaned particles are deposited. The reaction chamber (02) has a pump connection (16) at its upper end face (03) and a liquid connection (18) at its lower end face (04), preferably in the form of a simple through-hole (19) which can be closed by means of a plastic plug (20).For maceration, the cylinder housing (02) is filled with various agents (24) using a vacuum, and the treated plankton sample (22) is then filtered under pressure (multiple passes). Transfer steps are not required. The purified and dried filtrate (26) containing the microplastic particles to be detected can then be directly fed to the lower filter disc (08) for analysis.