Shrink-Fitted Monolithic Adsorbent Carriers for Sample Preparation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting and quantifying target compounds in samples are time-consuming and prone to errors due to the need for multiple preparation steps and limitations in binding capacity of existing separation techniques, particularly for compounds unsuitable for immunoassay and those with limited fiber coatings.
Innovation Solution
A carrier system comprising a support and a shrink-fitted monolithic body is used for adsorption, where the monolithic body is porous and attached to the support, allowing for efficient concentration and isolation of target compounds, with methods for its production involving polymerization of a monomer solution around the support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple preparation steps are performed to concentrate and isolate target compounds, then detection accuracy is improved, but time consumption and error probability increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple preparation steps (extraction, concentration, separation) into a single integrated solid phase extraction cartridge system. The cartridge contains multiple functional zones with different adsorbent materials that perform extraction, concentration, and separation simultaneously in one operation, eliminating the need for separate sequential steps and reducing both time and potential errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The extraction cartridge is designed as a universal device that can handle various target compounds and sample types through a single integrated system. The cartridge incorporates multiple adsorbent materials with different selectivities to perform multiple functions (extraction of different compounds, concentration, separation from interferents) within one device, replacing multiple specialized preparation procedures.
2Quantity of substance
If traditional fiber coatings are used for binding target compounds, then portability is maintained, but binding capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs porous adsorbent materials (such as porous graphitic carbon, porous polymer beads, or mixed-mode porous materials) within the cartridge. These porous materials provide extremely high surface area and binding capacity compared to traditional fiber coatings, enabling significantly increased quantity of bound target compounds while maintaining a compact cartridge structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional fiber surface binding to three-dimensional porous material binding. By using porous adsorbent particles packed in a column format, the binding occurs throughout the volume of the material rather than just on the surface, dramatically increasing the available binding sites and overall capacity.
3Measurement precision
If immunoassay is used for detection, then specificity is improved, but applicability is limited to compounds with known antibodies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal extraction platform that works with multiple detection methods and various compound types. The cartridge uses physicochemical adsorption mechanisms (hydrophobic interaction, pi-pi stacking, dipole-dipole interactions) that are applicable to a broad range of organic compounds, unlike immunoassay which requires specific antibodies. This allows the same cartridge design to extract diverse compounds including small molecules, drugs, pesticides, and environmental contaminants.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the extraction cartridge as an intermediary device that prepares samples for various downstream detection methods. Rather than relying on a single detection mechanism (immunoassay), the cartridge universally concentrates and purifies target compounds from diverse samples, making them suitable for detection by multiple different analytical instruments and methods depending on the specific application.
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 system simplifies sample preparation by enabling efficient adsorption and detection of target compounds, reducing errors and increasing binding capacity, facilitating accurate quantification using detectors like mass spectrometers and liquid chromatography systems.
Implementation Method 1
A carrier system comprising a support and a shrink-fitted monolithic body is used for adsorption
Implementation Method 2
the monolithic body is porous
Data Source
AI summary
A carrier for adsorption a compound, comprising a support; and a shrink-fitted monolithic body attached to and surrounding at least a portion of the support. The monolithic body can be porous and configured to bind compounds in a solution either for the isolation or depletion of the compounds from the solution.