SPR Flow Cell Polyinjection Using Air-Segmented Sample Delivery
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing analytical systems struggle to effectively analyze interactions between multiple analytes due to interference from running buffer, which washes away or dissociates the first analyte before the second analyte can interact with the sensor surface, and are poorly optimized for detecting weak binding signals and determining reaction specificity.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the sequential delivery of discrete sample solutions separated by gas segments, without intermediate running buffer, allows for accurate analysis of interactions at the sensor surface, using separate pumps for sample and buffer introduction to prevent interference and enable precise timing of sample interactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If running buffer is passed over the sensor surface between sample injections, then the sensor surface is stabilized and washed clean, but the first analyte is washed away or dissociates before the second analyte can reach the sensor surface
Solution Approach 1:
The flow cell channel is segmented into distinct regions: a first channel for sample injection and a second channel for buffer flow. This spatial segmentation allows the sample and buffer flows to occur simultaneously but separately, enabling the first analyte to remain on the sensor surface while the second sample is injected and buffered separately without washing away the bound analyte.
Solution Approach 2:
A gas segment (air bubble) is introduced as an intermediary between the first and second liquid samples in the first channel. This gas segment acts as a physical barrier that prevents direct mixing of the two samples while allowing both to flow through the channel system, enabling sequential injection without cross-contamination or premature washing of the first analyte.
2Manufacturing precision
If running buffer is used between samples, then cross-contamination is prevented, but polyinjection analysis of multiple analytes cannot be performed
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the fluid delivery into separate channels: the first channel handles sample injection with gas segment separation, while the second channel handles buffer flow independently. This segmentation enables both functions to operate simultaneously without interference, supporting versatile polyinjection analysis while maintaining sample separation purity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from temporal separation (sequential buffer flushing between samples) to spatial separation (parallel channels for sample and buffer flow). By adding the spatial dimension with multiple channels, the system achieves both sample separation and polyinjection capability that cannot be obtained with single-channel temporal separation alone.
3Measurement precision
If discrete sample volumes are injected sequentially without running buffer, then weak binding signals can be detected, but sample mixing may occur in the channel
Solution Approach 1:
A gas segment (air bubble) is introduced as an intermediary between the first and second liquid samples in the first channel. This gas segment acts as a physical barrier that prevents direct mixing of the two samples while allowing both to flow through the channel system, enabling sequential injection without cross-contamination or premature washing of the first analyte.
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
Enables robust polyinjection analysis of multiple analytes, allowing for the detection of weak binding signals and reaction dependencies without interference, and provides insights into analyte behavior through differential binding signal analysis.
Implementation Method 1
wherein the second sample solution is separated from the first sample solution in the first channel by a gas segment
Implementation Method 2
which uses surface plasmon resonance (SPR) for detecting interactions between molecules at a sensing surface
Data Source
AI summary
According to various aspects, the present invention provides a method of delivering a plurality of sample solutions to a sensor surface (102) for analysis. It can additionally, or alternatively, provide systems and methods for enabling improved investigation of analyte behaviours. The sensor (102) may, for example, be used to determine kinetic binding properties of analytes (such as proteins) to surface bound ligands. In one aspect, a method comprises: a) introducing (902) a first sample solution (502) into a first channel (506), the first channel (506) configured to deliver sample solution to the sensor surface (102); b) introducing (904) a second sample solution (504) into the first channel (506); c) flowing (906) the first sample solution and the second sample solution through the first channel (506) and over the sensor surface (102); and d) detecting (912) the presence or absence of binding of analyte from at least one of the sample solutions (502, 504) at the sensor surface (102), wherein no running buffer solution is passed over the sensor surface (102) throughout steps a)-d).