Solid Buffer Particulate for pH Stability in Sequencing Reagents
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Solution Overview
Problem
Advanced sensing and medical testing methods, particularly those involving nucleic acid or protein sequencing, are sensitive to pH changes and rely on expensive, difficult-to-prepare reagents, posing challenges in maintaining consistent pH levels during reagent transport and storage.
Innovation Solution
A buffered suspension is developed, comprising a surfactant and a solid buffer particulate, such as ceramic particles with a specific point of zero charge, which can be filtered to maintain a target pH range, allowing for robust pH control during transportation and storage while enabling pH changes during use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If traditional liquid buffer solutions are used for pH control during transport and storage, then pH stability is maintained, but the reagent system becomes sensitive to pH changes and requires expensive, difficult-to-prepare components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the buffer from a dissolved liquid state to a solid particulate state, changing its physical form while maintaining its pH-buffering functionality. This solid buffer particulate can be easily incorporated into reagent solutions without complex preparation procedures, resolving the contradiction between pH stability and ease of manufacture
Solution Approach 2:
The solid buffer particulate serves as a disposable, pre-prepared component that eliminates the need for complex buffer preparation procedures. It can be simply added to reagent solutions to provide pH stability during transport and storage, making the system easier to manufacture and deploy
2Stability of the object's composition
If pH is stabilized during transport and storage, then reagent consistency is maintained, but pH changes are needed during sensing operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic system where the solid buffer particulate provides pH stability during transport and storage, but can be easily removed or filtered out before sensing operations. This allows the system to transition from a stable state during storage to a responsive state during use, resolving the contradiction between pH consistency and pH responsiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer system is segmented into a separable solid particulate form that can be present during storage for pH stability, then removed or filtered before sensing to allow pH changes. This segmentation enables the system to meet different pH requirements at different stages of the process
3Stability of the object's composition
If solid buffer particulate is added to reagent solutions, then pH control is improved during transport, but the system complexity increases due to filtration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the buffer functionality from the liquid phase into solid particulate form, which can then be easily separated by simple filtration. This extraction simplifies the overall system by providing effective pH control during storage while allowing for straightforward removal before sensing, reducing the complexity of the filtration system required
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 buffered suspension effectively counteracts acidification and maintains pH stability, facilitating the use of pH-sensitive systems like semiconductor sequencing devices by providing a stable wash solution that can be filtered for precise pH control.
Implementation Method 1
a buffered suspension includes a surfactant and a solid buffer particulate. The buffered suspension has a target pH
Implementation Method 2
The solid buffer particulate can be allowed to settle and a portion of the stock solution can be decanted
Data Source
AI summary
A buffered suspension includes a surfactant and a solid buffer particulate having a point of zero charge at least 1.2 pH units different that the pH of the buffered suspension. The buffered suspension can be prepared by mixing a stock solution with the solid buffer particulate and titrating. A method of preforming a pH sensitive process includes drawing the buffered suspension from a reservoir, filtering the solid buffer particulate from the buffered suspension, and applying the filtered solution to a sensor.