Segmented Flow Capillary Using Capture Liquid to Limit Contamination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Segmented flow analysis in microfluidic systems faces challenges with high volumes of immiscible segmenting liquids causing contamination and sample dispersion issues, particularly at high flow rates, which affect downstream analytical techniques like mass spectrometry and HPLC.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a transport capillary with a droplet dispenser that alternately ejects a sample and a segmenting liquid, using immiscible liquids like perfluorodecalin and methanol, and adjusts the capture liquid flow to control dispersion and dilution, reducing the segmenting liquid volume and minimizing contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a large volume of segmenting liquid is used to prevent sample dispersion and dilution, then sample integrity is maintained, but contamination of downstream ionization source and mass spectrometer increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a capture liquid as an intermediary substance between the sample droplet and the segmenting liquid. The capture liquid forms a continuous flow that carries the sample through the capillary, while the segmenting liquid segments this capture liquid flow rather than directly contacting the sample. This intermediary approach allows the sample to be protected from dispersion while the segmenting liquid's harmful contamination effects are minimized since it doesn't directly contact the sample and can be more easily removed or replaced.
2Reliability
If segmenting liquid flow rate is increased to maintain segmented flow stability, then flow control is improved, but sample dispersion and dilution benefits are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different liquid properties to different regions of the flow system. The capture liquid, which directly contacts the sample, has properties optimized for sample transport and controlled dispersion (e.g., lower viscosity, higher wetting ability). The segmenting liquid, which segments the capture liquid flow, has properties optimized for flow stability and immiscibility with the capture liquid. This local differentiation allows each liquid to perform its specific function optimally without compromising the other.
3Quantity of substance
If immiscible segmenting liquids are used to prevent sample dispersion, then sample concentration is maintained, but contamination of analytical instruments increases
Solution Approach 1:
The capture liquid serves as an intermediary that the sample directly contacts during transport. This allows the sample to be carried through the capillary in a controlled manner with maintained concentration, while the segmenting liquid, which is immiscible and potentially contaminating, only contacts the capture liquid and not the sample directly. The capture liquid acts as a protective barrier that maintains sample integrity while isolating the sample from contamination sources.
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 approach reduces the volume of segmenting liquid required, minimizes contamination, and allows for controlled sample dispersion and dilution, enhancing the accuracy of downstream analysis by preventing sample matrix effects and optimizing flow rates.
Implementation Method 1
a droplet dispenser for providing the sample and the segmenting liquid to the transport capillary, wherein the sample and the segmenting liquid are dispensed into the transport capillary as discrete droplets
Implementation Method 2
The segmenting liquid, which is immiscible with the capture liquid, effectively prevents dispersion and dilution of the sample droplets traveling through the capillary
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure provides systems and methods for segmented flow analysis. More particularly, the disclosure relates to introducing a liquid sample and a segmenting liquid into a transport capillary for segmented flow analysis, wherein the liquid sample and/or the segmenting liquid are dispensed into the transport capillary as discrete droplets.