Tri-Sorbent Grid for Multi-Phase Sample Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods struggle to effectively analyze complex samples like tobacco smoke and medical marijuana, particularly in separating and detecting semi-volatile substances and drug metabolites across different phases, due to their dynamic and volatile nature.
Innovation Solution
A tri-sorbent coated grid with distinct areas for different sorbent materials is used to simultaneously collect and analyze multiple phases of a sample, allowing for separate analysis or retention of components, enhancing the detection of molecules pre- and post-vaporization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If classical analytical methods are used to analyze tobacco smoke, then the analysis process is simple, but the ability to detect and separate semi-volatile substances across different phases is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into multiple zones along the sampling probe, with each zone containing different sorbent materials tailored to capture specific phases (gas phase, particle phase, semi-volatile compounds). This segmentation allows simultaneous collection of different sample phases in a single device, resolving the contradiction by providing comprehensive detection capability without requiring multiple separate analysis systems
Solution Approach 2:
The sampling probe incorporates composite sorbent materials with different chemical and physical properties in different zones. Each sorbent is selected to target specific analyte types (e.g., volatile organic compounds, particulate matter, semi-volatiles), enabling the single device to handle the complexity of multi-phase tobacco smoke analysis while maintaining high detection precision
2Measurement precision
If multiple separate analysis methods are used to collect different phases of sample, then the detection completeness is improved, but the analysis time and loss of time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sampling functions that would traditionally require separate devices and sequential operations are merged into a single sampling probe with multiple zones. Each zone simultaneously collects different phases of the sample during one insertion event, eliminating the time loss associated with multiple separate sampling operations while maintaining complete phase coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The different sorbent materials are pre-positioned in specific zones along the probe before sampling. This preliminary arrangement ensures that when the probe is inserted into the sample, all phases are captured simultaneously in their respective zones, eliminating the need for sequential sampling operations and reducing total analysis time
3Stability of the object's composition
If surfactants and polymers are added to stabilize oral fluid samples, then the sample stability is improved, but the interference with drug and metabolite detection is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The device selectively extracts and separates drug metabolites from the oral fluid sample matrix, effectively removing interfering substances like surfactants and polymers. By isolating the target analytes from the stabilizing additives, the method maintains sample stability while eliminating detection interference, resolving the contradiction between stability and detection accuracy
4Device complexity
If a single sorbent material is used for sampling, then the device simplicity is maintained, but the ability to selectively collect different analyte phases is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Different zones of the sampling probe are assigned different sorbent materials with specific properties optimized for capturing particular analyte phases. This local differentiation allows the device to maintain a simple overall structure while providing specialized collection capabilities in each zone, resolving the contradiction between device simplicity and phase-specific adaptability
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 comprehensive and efficient analysis of complex samples by facilitating the collection and separation of different phases, improving the detection of trace substances and stability of samples for further analysis.
Implementation Method 1
a first sorbent material is applied to at least the proximate area of the first tine and the proximate area of the second tine, where the first sorbent material is adapted to collect one or more first analyte molecules on contacting the first sorbent material and the sample
Implementation Method 2
a second sorbent material applied to at least the intermediate area of the first tine and the intermediate area of the second tine adapted to collect one or more second analyte molecules on introduction of a sample to the second sorbent material
Implementation Method 3
a third sorbent material applied to at least the distal area of the first tine and the distal area of the second tine adapted to collect one or more third analyte molecules on introduction of a sample to the third sorbent material
Data Source
AI summary
In various embodiments of the invention, a sorbent coated mesh or grid introduced into contact with a sample can be monitored at appropriate temperatures, positions and time intervals to determine species present in the sample. The monitoring utilizes reactive species produced from an atmospheric analyzer to ionize analyte molecules present on the sorbent coated mesh or grid which are then analyzed by an appropriate spectroscopy system. In an embodiment of the invention, a sorbent surface can be used to absorb, adsorb or condense analyte molecules from the sample whereafter the sorbent surface can be interrogated with the reactive species to generate analyte species characteristic of the sample.