Sample Plate Filter Attachment Reinforcement for High Pressure Buffer Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sample plates used in automated buffer exchange systems often experience filter detachment due to high pressure differentials, making the process inefficient and labor-intensive for biological samples like proteins.
Innovation Solution
The development of sample plates with reinforced filter attachment regions, including dual seals, thermal seals, and O-ring seals, to securely attach filters to the reservoirs, preventing detachment at pressure differentials of at least 30 psig, and manufacturing methods involving thermal and adhesive sealing techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high pressure differentials are used to push buffer solution through the filter, then buffer exchange efficiency is improved, but filter detachment occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The filter attachment region is divided into multiple sealing zones: a first seal (thermal bond) between the filter and reservoir bottom, and a second seal (adhesive or mechanical) between the filter edge and reservoir side wall. This segmentation allows each seal to handle specific stress components, preventing filter detachment under high pressure while maintaining exchange efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines thermal bonding and adhesive sealing (or mechanical retention) into a dual-seal system. The thermal bond provides initial attachment and seals the filter to the reservoir bottom, while the adhesive or mechanical feature provides additional anchoring at the filter edge. This merging of sealing mechanisms ensures reliable filter retention under high pressure differentials used in automated buffer exchange.
2Device complexity
If manual buffer exchange methods are used, then equipment complexity is reduced, but time consumption and labor intensity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sample plate design with reinforced filter attachment enables the system to perform buffer exchange autonomously without manual intervention. The dual-seal filter retention mechanism allows automated pressurization systems to operate at high efficiency while the filter remains securely attached, eliminating the need for manual filter changes or system shutdowns during the exchange process.
3Extent of automation
If current sample plates are used with automated systems, then automation is achieved, but filter detachment occurs under pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is pre-attached to the reservoir using thermal bonding before the automated buffer exchange process begins. This preliminary thermal seal creates a strong initial bond that prevents filter detachment when subsequent high pressure differentials are applied during automated operation. The adhesive or mechanical retention feature provides additional pre-established security.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter attachment system uses composite sealing approaches combining different mechanisms: thermal bonding (heat-activated material fusion) combined with adhesive sealing (chemical bonding) or mechanical retention (physical interlocking). This composite approach leverages the strengths of each mechanism to ensure reliable filter attachment under the high pressure conditions required for automated buffer exchange systems.
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 sample plates effectively maintain filter attachment under high pressure, enabling efficient and automated buffer exchange with minimal protein loss, as demonstrated by compatibility with high-pressure systems and superior performance compared to commercial plates.
Implementation Method 1
thermal seals, and manufacturing methods involving thermal and adhesive sealing techniques
Implementation Method 2
manufacturing methods involving thermal and adhesive sealing techniques
Data Source
AI summary
Sample plates and methods for exchanging buffer solutions are disclosed herein. The sample plates and methods may be used with automated buffer exchange systems where high pressures, for example, pressures of at least about 30 psig, are applied across a filtering membrane. Methods for manufacturing the sample plates are further disclosed.