UV LED Analyte Release System for Refrigerated Exosome Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies for releasing magnetically bound analytes, such as exosomes, in biological samples face challenges with excess heat generation and large size, making it difficult to maintain the samples at low temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing ultraviolet (UV) light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to generate high-power, narrow-emission band light for photo-cleaving bonds, allowing for continuous operation within a refrigerator while keeping samples chilled, replacing traditional mercury bulb-based transilluminators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If mercury bulb-based transilluminators are used to generate light for releasing analytes, then light generation at precise frequencies and power is achieved, but excess heat is produced and system size becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the light source from mercury bulb to UV LED, which operates at different temperature characteristics and emits at specific UV wavelengths (365-405 nm) that are effective for photocleaving while generating minimal heat
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the thermal-mechanical mercury bulb system with a solid-state UV LED system, eliminating the need for bulky bulb housing and thermal management infrastructure while achieving the same photocleaving function
2Illumination intensity
If mercury bulb-based transilluminators are used to generate light for releasing analytes, then light generation at precise frequencies and power is achieved, but system size becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical form factor from bulky mercury bulb to compact UV LED, enabling the system to fit within standard refrigerator compartments while maintaining effective light output for analyte release
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical mercury bulb system with solid-state UV LEDs, which have no fragile glass components, no mercury vapor, and require minimal housing, dramatically reducing system volume
3Power
If traditional light sources are used for analyte release, then sufficient power output is achieved, but continuous operation while maintaining sample cooling is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters by using UV LEDs that can be pulsed or operated at reduced duty cycles, delivering sufficient cumulative energy for photocleaving while allowing adequate cooling periods to maintain sample temperature
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic or pulsed UV LED operation rather than continuous illumination, which delivers the necessary total energy dose for analyte release while providing intervals for heat dissipation and sample temperature maintenance
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
The UV LED system effectively releases analytes while maintaining sample temperature, providing a compact and efficient solution for exosome release without overheating biological samples.
Implementation Method 1
at least one light emitting diode configured to generate light sufficient to separate photo-cleavable bonds binding the analytes within the sample
Implementation Method 2
light sufficient to separate photo-cleavable bonds binding the analytes within the sample
Data Source
AI summary
A system for releasing analytes contained within a sample. The system comprises a housing enclosing an interior space. The system additionally comprises a sample holder having at least one receptacle configured to receive a sample containing analytes bound within the sample. The system further includes at least one light emitting diode configured to generate light sufficient to separate photo-cleavable bonds binding the analytes within the sample.