Rotating Substrate Sample Separation and Contamination Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for preparing substrates by applying samples to be analyzed do not efficiently manage the excess sample remaining on the substrate, leading to potential contamination of the sensing area.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a substrate with a sample reception area and a sensing area, where the substrate is rotated to separate the sample into a liquid part and a higher density component, using capillary forces to transport the liquid part to the sensing area and reducing rotational frequency to remove excess sample from the reception area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the substrate is rotated at high rotational frequency to separate the sample into liquid part and higher density component, then the separation efficiency is improved, but the excess sample remains at the sample reception area causing potential contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The rotational frequency of the substrate is dynamically adjusted during the sample processing. Initially, a first rotational frequency is applied to separate the sample into liquid part and higher density component. Then, the rotational frequency is changed to a second rotational frequency to remove excess sample from the sample reception area, preventing contamination of the sensing area.
Solution Approach 2:
The method changes the rotational frequency parameter from a first rotational frequency to a second rotational frequency. This parameter change enables different functional stages: separation at the first frequency and excess sample removal at the second frequency, thereby resolving the contradiction between separation efficiency and contamination prevention.
2Measurement precision
If capillary forces are used to transport liquid part to the sensing area, then the analysis capability is improved, but the excess sample management becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate structure itself provides the solution for excess sample management through capillary forces. The capillary channels in the substrate automatically transport the liquid part to the sensing area while the rotational frequency adjustment naturally removes excess sample, eliminating the need for additional complex sample management mechanisms.
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 method effectively manages excess sample on the substrate, preventing contamination of the sensing area and allowing for efficient analysis of the sample.
Implementation Method 1
separating a sample comprising a liquid part and a higher density component, such as a higher density liquid or a colloid, by rotation
Implementation Method 2
the liquid part travels to the sensing area by capillary forces acting against a centrifugal force created by rotation
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for preparing a substrate comprising a sample reception area and a sensing area. The method comprises the steps of: 1) applying a sample on the sample reception area; 2) rotating the substrate around a predetermined axis; 3) during rotation, at least part of the liquid travels from the sample reception area to the sensing area due to capillary forces acting between the liquid and the substrate; and 4) removing the wave of particles and liquid formed at one end of the substrate. The sensing area is closer to the predetermined axis than the sample reception area. The sample comprises a liquid part and particles suspended therein.