Polypropylene Flow Cell UV Detection via Gamma Sterilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing UV detection devices for bio molecules in pharmaceutical applications face challenges with quartz's high cost and complex manufacturing, and most polymers block UV radiation or degrade after gamma irradiation, leading to unstable signals and contamination concerns.
Innovation Solution
A polypropylene-based flow cell with UV-transparent windows, sterilized using gamma irradiation, maintains stable UV absorption even after extended exposure to UV radiation, suitable for disposable systems in pharmaceutical applications, and is cost-effective and injection mouldable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If quartz is used for UV detection devices, then UV transparency is improved, but cost and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the disposable principle by using polypropylene flow cells that are sterilized via gamma irradiation and then discarded after single use. This eliminates the need for expensive, complex quartz devices while maintaining UV detection capability. The disposable nature also eliminates sterilization and contamination concerns for subsequent uses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter from traditional quartz to polypropylene, and changes the sterilization parameter from chemical methods (ethylene oxide) or autoclaving to gamma irradiation. This combination of parameter changes enables both UV transparency and manufacturing simplicity while ensuring sterility.
2Ease of manufacture
If polymeric materials are used for UV detection, then cost and ease of manufacture are improved, but UV transmission is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses polypropylene, a cheap and easily manufactured polymer, in conjunction with the disposable principle. By sterilizing the flow cell via gamma irradiation before use and discarding it afterward, the patent achieves both ease of manufacture and adequate UV transmission for detection purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite approach by combining polypropylene material with gamma irradiation sterilization treatment. This creates a system that maintains the manufacturing advantages of polymers while achieving the sterility and UV transmission requirements through the irradiation process.
3Reliability
If gamma irradiation is used for sterilization, then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but UV transmission of polymers degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the disposable principle to resolve this contradiction. The flow cell is sterilized via gamma irradiation to ensure complete sterility, then used immediately and discarded. This eliminates the problem of UV transmission degradation over time, as each new disposable unit starts with full UV transmission capability after sterilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs sterilization via gamma irradiation as a preliminary action before the flow cell is put into service. This ensures the flow cell is completely sterile before use, and the flow cell is then discarded after single use, preventing any degradation issues from affecting subsequent measurements.
4Reliability
If ethylene oxide sterilization is used, then sterilization is achieved, but gas permeable packaging is required and handling is complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical sterilization method (ethylene oxide gas) with a radiation-based method (gamma irradiation). This substitution eliminates the need for gas permeable packaging and complex aeration cells, as gamma irradiation penetrates packaging materials and sterilizes the flow cell in place.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses gamma radiation as an intermediary sterilization method that does not require direct contact with the flow cell or special packaging. The radiation penetrates through standard packaging materials, sterilizing the flow cell without requiring gas permeable packaging or complex handling procedures.
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 polypropylene flow cell provides stable UV absorption over time, meeting the requirements for pharmaceutical applications, with UV transmission remaining consistent even after gamma irradiation, ensuring reliable UV detection without the need for gas permeable packaging or harmful residues.
Implementation Method 1
A polypropylene-based flow cell with UV-transparent windows
Implementation Method 2
sterilized using gamma irradiation
Implementation Method 3
maintains stable UV absorption even after extended exposure to UV radiation
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a flow cell (10) comprising a fluid inlet (16) and a fluid outlet (18) separated by a sample flow-through chamber (12) comprising at least one UV-transparent window (22′), wherein the at least one UV-transparent window (22′) is made of a polymer material and has been subjected to Gamma radiation sterilisation. In one aspect, the flow cell is combustible.