SPR Cuvette-Flow Layout for Short-Path Sample Injection

The patent introduces a vertical stacking dimension by placing the cuvette directly above the flow cell in a vertical arrangement. This dimensional reconfiguration eliminates the need for long horizontal injection distances while maintaining simplified sample delivery through direct vertical injection into the flow cell.

The system separates the sample preparation function (in the cuvette) from the measurement function (in the flow cell). By segmenting these functions into distinct but closely coupled components, the patent achieves both easy sample delivery and high measurement precision by minimizing the interaction path between sample and sensor surface.

The patent implements periodic back-and-forth flushing cycles instead of continuous unidirectional flow. The flow direction alternates between forward and backward, creating periodic action that efficiently removes non-specifically bound material while reducing total sample consumption through repeated use of the same sample volume.

The back-and-forth flushing maintains continuous contact of the sample solution with the sensor surface, ensuring that selective binding continues uninterrupted while non-specific binding is progressively eliminated. This continuous useful action achieves high selectivity without requiring excessive sample volumes or extended measurement times.

The patent combines the injection and flushing functions into a single integrated flow path that enables back-and-forth flow through the same channel. By merging these functions, the system achieves improved selectivity through directional flow control without requiring separate complex flushing systems, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity.

The flow cell and cuvette assembly serves multiple functions: sample injection, continuous flushing, back-and-forth flow generation, and thermal equilibration. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components for each function, thereby achieving improved selectivity while controlling overall system complexity.

The patent resolves the design difficulty by transitioning to a vertical stacking arrangement where the cuvette is positioned directly above the flow cell. This vertical configuration achieves short thermal and fluidic distances while simplifying the mechanical design compared to horizontal arrangements, as vertical stacking naturally minimizes the path length between components.

The direct vertical coupling of the cuvette and flow cell creates an equipotential thermal and fluidic environment, eliminating temperature gradients and pressure differences that would arise in longer horizontal configurations. This equipotential design achieves temperature stability and reduced non-specific binding while maintaining ease of manufacture through symmetric, modular component arrangement.