Syringe-Based Solid Phase Extraction Cartridge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solid phase extraction methods require centrifugation and specialized laboratory equipment like micropipettes, limiting sample volume and requiring multiple centrifugation steps, which are time-consuming and impractical for portable or point-of-care molecular diagnostics.
Innovation Solution
A syringe-based system for solid phase extraction that eliminates the need for centrifugation and micropipettes, allowing larger sample volumes to be processed in a single iteration by using a syringe with a premixed lysis buffer and elution buffer to bind and elute compounds of interest through a sorbent membrane, with optional incubation periods and gravity-driven desalting columns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional solid phase extraction using centrifugation and micropipettes is used, then sample purification is achieved, but the process requires specialized equipment and skills, limiting portability and increasing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of sample purification from the complex centrifugation system and implements it through a simple syringe-based solid phase extraction cartridge. The cartridge contains pre-packaged sorbent material that performs purification without requiring external centrifugation equipment or specialized laboratory skills, thereby simplifying the device while maintaining purification effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable solid phase extraction cartridges that are pre-filled with sorbent material and designed for single-use. These cartridges eliminate the need for reusable, complex equipment like centrifuges and micropipettes, providing a simple, portable solution that requires no specialized skills to operate while achieving effective sample purification
2Productivity
If conventional solid phase extraction with multiple centrifugation steps is used, then sample purification is achieved, but the process is time-consuming and reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the purification process into a single integrated cartridge operation rather than multiple separate centrifugation steps. The cartridge contains all necessary sorbent materials and buffering agents pre-positioned to handle the entire purification sequence in one continuous flow through the syringe, eliminating the need for repeated centrifugation cycles and significantly reducing processing time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-filling the extraction cartridge with optimized sorbent material and buffering agents during manufacturing. This pre-preparation eliminates the need for time-consuming on-site setup and multiple centrifugation steps, allowing the user to simply draw sample and buffer through the cartridge in a single rapid operation, thereby increasing productivity and reducing time loss
3Quantity of substance
If conventional solid phase extraction is used, then sample purification is achieved, but the sample volume is limited and requires multiple processing iterations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by placing multiple functional zones within a single cartridge, including different sorbent materials and buffering agents positioned at various depths. This nested structure allows the cartridge to process larger sample volumes in one operation by providing sequential purification zones, eliminating the need for multiple iterations while maintaining high productivity
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 increases the efficiency of molecular diagnostic processes, enabling accurate and sensitive testing without specialized skills or equipment, allowing for portable diagnostics in various settings such as hospitals, emergency scenes, and remote locations.
Implementation Method 1
solid phase extraction (SPE) is a useful sample preparation technique for isolating or purifying compounds of interest from a liquid sample matrix. SPE relies on physical properties of compounds of interest to capture them from the sample matrix
Implementation Method 2
eluting the substance of interest from the sorbent using the syringe device
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for solid phase extraction of a compound of interest from a sample matrix using a syringe having a barrel and a plunger, a sorbent for use with the syringe, and a desalting purification column having an end configured to receive liquid from the syringe body.