Spectrometric Sample Support Dewatering With a Vertical Absorbent Plate

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for sample preparation on spectrometric sample supports face challenges in completely separating microorganism sediments from droplet liquid without depleting the sediments, leading to interference in subsequent analytical measurements.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a vertically lowered absorbent plate that absorbs droplet liquid while minimizing contact with microorganism sediments, using a plate made of absorbent materials like blotting board with swelling characteristics, and optionally spring-mounted for uniform pressure, to ensure complete liquid removal without significant biomaterial loss.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If a rigid plate is used to remove droplet liquid laterally via capillary forces, then liquid removal efficiency is improved, but microorganism sediments may be depleted together with the liquid (plating effect), leading to sensitivity losses in analytical measurement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid removal efficiencyVSAvoidmicroorganism sediment loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs an absorbent plate with porous structure that allows selective absorption of droplet liquid through capillary forces while the porous material's specific properties prevent significant adsorption of microorganism sediments, thus achieving efficient liquid removal without substantial biomaterial loss

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the physical parameters of the absorbing material by using an elastic plate that can deform under controlled pressure, changing the contact area and absorption characteristics dynamically to optimize liquid removal while minimizing sediment loss

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Quantity of substance

If an absorbent cloth is brought into contact with droplets for dehydration, then liquid separation is improved, but residual liquid may remain on the sediment, causing interference with subsequent analysis

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid separation efficiencyVSAvoidanalytical measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary gentle pressure through the elastic plate before full absorption occurs, preparing the droplet structure for optimal liquid removal while preventing premature sediment disruption, thereby achieving complete liquid separation without residual interference

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically adjusts the pressure parameter during the absorption process by utilizing the elastic deformation characteristics of the plate, optimizing the balance between liquid removal completeness and sediment preservation for accurate subsequent analysis

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of substance

If a mask with indentations is used to remove droplet liquid laterally, then liquid removal is achieved without direct contact with sediment, but enough residual liquid remains to cause interference with subsequent analysis

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemicroorganism sediment preservationVSAvoidanalytical measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the pressure parameter by applying controlled compression through the elastic plate, enabling complete liquid absorption that was not achieved with the rigid mask approach, while the elastic material's compliance prevents sediment disruption and maintains measurement accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 removes droplet liquid while preserving microorganism sediments for accurate spectrometric analysis, reducing residual liquid interference and maintaining sufficient biomaterial for informative results.

Implementation Method 1

The plate is lowered vertically onto the sample support in such a way that microorganism sediments and plate come into contact, whereby the droplets of liquid are absorbed into the absorbent material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary forces: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 2

the absorbent material undergoes localized swelling at the sites where the droplet liquid has been absorbed, and thus makes contact with the microorganism sediments

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLocalized swelling:

Data Source

PatentUS11802819B2Method of sample preparation on a spectrometric sample support

Publication Date: 2023.10.31 BRUKER DALTONIK GMBH & CO KG

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for sample preparation on a spectrometric sample support, comprising the steps of: (i) providing the sample support with an arrangement of individual liquid droplets, for example of washing liquid or nutrient solution, each of which has microorganism sediments enclosed in it; (ii) locating a plate of an absorbent material containing cotton fibers, for example, above the sample support; (iii) lowering the plate vertically onto the sample support in such a way that microorganism sediments and plate come into contact, whereby the droplets of liquid are absorbed into the absorbent material; (iv) lifting the plate, which is locally enriched with droplet liquid, off the sample support, thereby exposing the microorganism sediments that are depleted of liquid; and (v) preparing the exposed microorganism sediments for spectrometric measurement, by means of infrared spectrometry or MALDI time-of-flight mass spectrometry, for example.