Polyhedral Sample Containers for Simultaneous Optical Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multi-container arrays face challenges in performing simultaneous multiple optical analytical techniques due to meniscus effects, variable path lengths, and sub-optimal optical configurations, which lead to inaccurate measurements and inefficiencies, especially with small sample volumes.
Innovation Solution
A unit with polyhedral sample containers arranged in a regular array, featuring multiple inclined optically transparent windows for efficient light delivery and collection from multiple angles, allowing simultaneous application of various optical analytical methods while maintaining the optimum optical configuration for each technique, and compatible with heating and cooling systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If standard micro-titre plates are used for optical measurements, then sample throughput is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to meniscus effects and variable path lengths
Solution Approach 1:
The sample container is divided into multiple independent sample chambers (e.g., 96-well plate format), allowing parallel processing of multiple samples while maintaining precise optical measurements in each chamber through optimized window geometry
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from traditional horizontal plate geometry to a vertical configuration where sample chambers extend above and below the plate plane, enabling optimal optical paths for multiple measurement techniques simultaneously without meniscus interference
2Measurement precision
If conventional cuvette designs are used, then optical measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and sample volume requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sample container design integrates multiple functions into a single structure: it serves as both the sample holder and the optical measurement chamber, with built-in windows that support multiple optical techniques (absorption, fluorescence, light scattering) eliminating the need for separate cuvettes for each measurement type
Solution Approach 2:
The invention optimizes the geometric parameters of the sample chambers, specifically the window area, window orientation, and chamber dimensions, to achieve optimal optical paths for multiple measurement techniques while minimizing sample volume requirements to as low as 5-50 μL
3Measurement precision
If multiple optical analytical techniques are performed sequentially, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming sequential analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines multiple optical measurement techniques (absorption spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, light scattering) into a single integrated instrument that can simultaneously analyze multiple samples using different techniques, achieving both high precision and high throughput by performing measurements in parallel rather than sequentially
4Illumination intensity
If large sample volumes are used, then optical signal strength is improved, but loss of substance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes the geometric parameters of the sample chambers, specifically maximizing the window area relative to chamber volume and optimizing the optical path length, to achieve strong optical signals with minimal sample volumes of 5-50 μL, thereby reducing sample consumption while maintaining measurement quality
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 enhances the signal-to-noise ratio and collection efficiency of optical measurements, reduces interference, and enables accurate, high-throughput analysis of small sample volumes, facilitating rapid and automated multi-modal optical measurements.
Implementation Method 1
multiple inclined optically transparent windows for efficient light delivery
Implementation Method 2
the resulting emitted, scattered or transmitted light is collected, spectrally analysed as appropriate and then detected using some form of optical detector
Implementation Method 3
the sample of interest is illuminated with light
Implementation Method 4
Heating/cooling blocks are available to control the temperature of conventional cuvettes
Data Source
Figure 1~1.3
Figure 2~2.3
Figure 3~3.5
AI summary
A unit is provided comprising an array (2) of sample containers (1), said containers, being connected together and arranged in a planar configuration, each container having multiple optically transparent windows arranged such that the sample contained therein can be interrogated using simultaneous multiple optical analytical techniques, the array of containers being configured so as to allow optical access to the windows of each container in the array. Also provided is an apparatus comprising such a unit, a system comprising a combination of such an apparatus and unit and a method of analysing multiple samples by introducing each individual sample into an individual container of such an apparatus, illuminating the samples and detecting and analysing light emerging therefrom.