Surface Acoustic Wave Detection in Chromatography Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) methods face challenges in detecting all analytes, particularly non-absorbent substances and those with low optical activity, due to limitations in detection techniques and sample depletion, leading to incomplete analysis and increased costs. Additionally, flow measurement errors occur due to volume contraction during liquid mixing, which is not accurately accounted for in existing systems.
Innovation Solution
The use of surface acoustic waves in chromatography systems to detect analytes and measure flow, allowing for non-destructive analysis and accurate flow determination by interacting with the sample and measuring acoustic impedance, conductivity, and other properties, while minimizing sample volume and avoiding destructive processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If optical absorption measurement is used to detect analytes, then the detection method is simple and non-destructive, but non-absorbent substances and substances with low optical activity cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple detection methods (optical absorption, fluorescence, mass spectrometry) into a single integrated detection system. This allows the system to detect a broader range of analytes including non-absorbent substances by switching between or combining different detection modes, thereby resolving the limitation of single-method detection while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system is designed to perform multiple detection functions using a single platform. The system can detect various types of analytes (absorbent, non-absorbent, fluorescent, non-fluorescent) through different detection modes, making it universally applicable to diverse substance classes without requiring separate specialized detectors for each type.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple complementary measuring methods are combined to expand detectable substance classes, then the detection capability is improved, but back pressure increases and sample depletion occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary separation of analytes through chromatography before detection, concentrating different substance classes into distinct temporal or spatial zones. This preliminary action allows subsequent detection methods to target specific analyte groups without requiring all methods to process the entire sample simultaneously, thereby reducing sample depletion while maintaining the ability to detect multiple substance classes.
3Measurement precision
If flow measurement is performed using conventional methods, then the flow can be determined, but volume contraction during liquid mixing causes measurement errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical flow measurement methods (which are susceptible to volume contraction errors) with acoustic wave-based measurement. Acoustic waves interact with the fluid to provide flow information without being affected by mixing-induced volume changes, thereby maintaining measurement precision while avoiding the complexities of compensating for non-ideal mixing behavior.
4Adaptability or versatility
If series connection of detectors is used to detect optically inactive substances, then detection capability is improved, but dispersion increases and sensitivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a temporal dimension approach (series connection where analytes pass through detectors sequentially in time) to a spatial or parallel dimension approach where multiple detection capabilities are integrated into a single detection zone. This dimensional change allows simultaneous or near-simultaneous detection of different analyte types without the peak broadening that occurs during sequential passage through multiple detectors.
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
This approach enables the detection of a broader range of analytes and accurate flow measurement without sample depletion, reducing costs and improving analysis efficiency by using surface acoustic waves to interact with samples and measure properties like acoustic impedance, thereby overcoming the limitations of existing HPLC methods.
Implementation Method 1
The use of surface acoustic waves in chromatography systems to detect analytes and measure flow
Implementation Method 2
measuring acoustic impedance, conductivity, and other properties
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method comprising using an acoustic wave in a chromatography system. The present invention also relates to a corresponding system and a corresponding use. The system may comprise a surface acoustic wave assembly, wherein the surface acoustic wave assembly comprises a sender unit comprising a sender transducer for sending an acoustic wave and a detection unit for detecting the acoustic wave, a substrate configured for propagation of the acoustic wave, wherein the sender transducer is connected to the substrate, wherein the substrate comprises a substrate section for propagation of the wave from the sender transducer, wherein this substrate section comprises a substrate surface, wherein the surface acoustic wave assembly further comprises at least one channel for conducting fluid, wherein this channel is partly defined by the substrate surface.