Sample Extraction Support Tool Preventing Capillary Re-absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for extracting samples from micro-sampling devices or capillaries using centrifugal force face issues with sample quantitativity due to capillary suction of the sample back into the test piece, particularly when using open containers like 96-well plates, and require sealed containers for effective mixing with solvents.
Innovation Solution
A sample extraction support tool with a test piece holding portion that guides extracted samples to the bottom of a well without allowing contact, preventing capillary re-absorption, and utilizing a centrifugal force to extract samples into an open-well container, such as a well-plate, ensuring accurate quantitation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a test piece is placed in a container and centrifugal force is applied to extract the sample, then the sample extraction speed is improved, but the sample quantitativity deteriorates due to capillary re-absorption
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into distinct functional zones: a test piece receiving portion that holds the test piece, a sample storage well at the bottom, and a separation space. This segmentation ensures that the test piece is positioned to receive centrifugal force for sample extraction while the extracted sample is directed to a separate storage area, preventing capillary re-absorption and maintaining sample quantitativity.
Solution Approach 2:
The test piece receiving portion acts as an intermediary structure that facilitates sample transfer from the test piece to the storage well. It is configured to receive the test piece and guide the extracted sample to the well bottom through controlled flow paths, preventing direct contact between the test piece and the stored sample, thereby eliminating capillary re-absorption while maintaining extraction efficiency.
2Quantity of substance
If a sealed container is used to prevent capillary re-absorption, then the sample quantitativity is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to the need for sealing and mixing operations
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful capillary action is effectively 'taken out' or eliminated by designing a system where the test piece does not contact the extracted sample. The test piece receiving portion and well structure separate the sample extraction path from the storage area, allowing the use of simple open containers like 96-well plates without sealing requirements, thus maintaining both sample quantitativity and ease of operation.
3Ease of operation
If diffusion method is used to homogenize sample and solvent, then the ease of operation is improved by using simple containers, but the productivity deteriorates due to long mixing time
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary separation of the sample extraction from the test piece before any mixing operation. By using centrifugal force to extract and deposit the sample into the well in advance, the sample is already isolated and ready for subsequent processing. This preliminary action eliminates the need for long diffusion-based mixing while maintaining operational simplicity, thereby improving productivity without sacrificing ease of operation.
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 solution effectively prevents capillary re-absorption of samples, ensuring the quantitativity of extracted samples by using a centrifugal force to direct samples to the bottom of the well, allowing for efficient extraction without the need for sealed containers, and facilitating processing in open-well containers like 96-well plates.
Implementation Method 1
The sample extraction support tool is used while being placed on an extraction container having at least one well for accommodating a sample extracted from a test piece holding the sample in a microchannel provided therein with both ends open
Implementation Method 2
part of the extracted sample is sucked again into the test piece due to the capillarity
Data Source
AI summary
The sample extraction support tool is placed on an extraction container having at least one well for accommodating a sample extracted from a test piece holding the sample in a microchannel provided therein with both ends open. The sample extraction support tool includes at least one test piece holding portion having an opening for guiding a sample extracted from the test piece to a bottom of the well and configured to hold the test piece at a position where the test piece is not in contact with the sample which is extracted from the test piece and is stored on the bottom of the well, and in a state where one end of the microchannel is directed to the bottom of the well.