Septum Closing Element for Biological Sample Gas Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for analyzing biological samples using electronic noses pose risks of laboratory technician injury and potential infection due to the need for hollow analysis needles, and may compromise sample integrity for further analysis.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a container with a closing element featuring penetrable channels connected to bacterial filters, allowing metabolic gases to diffuse and convect outside for analysis without piercing the container, thereby preventing bacterial contamination and enabling safe, intact sample preservation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a hollow analysis needle is used to introduce the analysis device into the sample bottle, then gas analysis can be performed, but the risk of laboratory technician injury and infection increases
Solution Approach 1:
A septum membrane is introduced as an intermediary between the sample bottle and the analysis needle. The needle pierces only the septum membrane to access metabolic gas in the headspace, while the bacteria-containing liquid sample remains sealed in the bottle. This mediator allows gas analysis while preventing direct contact between the needle and bacterial sample, eliminating the injury and infection risks.
2Measurement precision
If a hollow analysis needle is used to pierce the sample bottle, then metabolic gas can be accessed for analysis, but the sample integrity is compromised for further analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The sample bottle system is segmented into distinct functional zones: the liquid sample compartment (sealed and intact), the headspace compartment (accessible for gas analysis), and the septum membrane (interface for selective access). This segmentation allows the analysis needle to access only the metabolic gas in the headspace without penetrating the liquid sample, preserving sample integrity for future analyses while enabling current gas measurements.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the closing element remains closed to preserve sample integrity, then sample contamination is prevented, but metabolic gas cannot be analyzed
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible septum membrane is integrated into the closing element's lid. This thin film allows the analysis needle to pierce through and access the headspace for metabolic gas analysis. The membrane's flexibility enables penetration while its selective permeability and sealing properties maintain sample containment, allowing gas analysis without compromising overall sample integrity.
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 ensures safe and hygienic analysis of biological samples by preventing bacterial contact with analysis equipment and bystanders, while maintaining sample integrity for potential further analysis, reducing the risk of cross-contamination and enhancing analysis accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
As a result of diffusion and possible convection flow, metabolic gas formed in the sample bottle will displace via the analysis needle to the electronic nose
Implementation Method 2
As a result of diffusion and possible convection flow, metabolic gas formed in the sample bottle will displace via the analysis needle to the electronic nose
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of ventilating channels debouching into at least one bacterial filter, which bacterial filter is substantially impermeable to bacteria and is at least permeable to at least one metabolic gas formed in the biological sample
Implementation Method 4
a pump configured to apply a pressure difference over the at least one bacterial filter, such that an underpressure is applied outside the assembly of closing element and container whereby accelerated diffusion is forced
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The application relates to a closing element for closing a container for samples for analysis, particularly biological samples. The application also relates to an assembly of a container and a closing element connected to the container. The application also relates to a device and method for analysing samples. The closure comprises a vent channel (6) with a bacterial filter (7), a penetrable element (5) and the vent channel is configured to be connected with an analyser and can be opened and closed.