UV-Induced Spectral Analysis for Rapid Liquid Sample Identification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current analytical methods for identifying properties of diverse pharmacological, food, and biological samples are time-consuming and costly, requiring complex sample preparation and instrumentation, and often struggle with precise quantitative and qualitative analysis, especially in emergency situations or for rapid drug determination.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing UV radiation at 250-400 nm to induce spectral changes in samples, allowing for rapid identification of properties through fluorescence spectroscopy without extensive sample preparation, using metal ions like Zn2+, Cu2+, and disulfide bonds, which forms quantum nanocrystals, radicals, or degrades chemical bonds, enabling quick analysis with low instrument demands.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If extraction, isolation and separation processes are performed prior to analysis, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases and device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanalysis precisionVSAvoidanalysis time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts only the essential spectral information directly from the sample without performing full extraction, isolation and separation processes. By using UV irradiation to induce spectral changes and analyzing these changes directly, the method removes the time-consuming preparation steps while retaining the ability to identify substance properties through characteristic spectral patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The method applies UV irradiation as a preliminary action to induce spectral changes in the sample before analysis. This pre-treatment step creates detectable spectral patterns that directly reveal substance properties, eliminating the need for subsequent extraction and separation steps while maintaining analytical precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If extraction, isolation and separation processes are performed prior to analysis, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanalysis precisionVSAvoidinstrumentation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts only the essential spectral information directly from the sample without performing full extraction, isolation and separation processes. By using UV irradiation to induce spectral changes and analyzing these changes directly, the method removes the time-consuming preparation steps while retaining the ability to identify substance properties through characteristic spectral patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces complex mechanical separation and isolation systems with a UV irradiation and spectral analysis system. Instead of using multiple separation columns, centrifuges, and filtration devices, the method uses electromagnetic radiation to induce spectral changes that directly reveal substance composition, significantly simplifying the instrumentation required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If Raman spectroscopy is used to identify analytes, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to low intensity and fluorescence impurities

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesample preparation simplicityVSAvoiddetection sensitivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the excitation parameter from visible laser light (Raman) to UV radiation. This parameter change induces different spectral responses in the sample, creating stronger and more distinctive spectral patterns that are less susceptible to fluorescence interference. The UV-induced spectral changes provide enhanced detection sensitivity while maintaining operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention converts the potential harm of UV radiation (which could cause photochemical reactions) into a beneficial effect. By using UV irradiation to induce specific spectral changes and analyzing these changes, the method transforms what could be a source of interference into a powerful tool for enhancing detection sensitivity and distinguishing substance properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 rapid analysis of samples within minutes, reducing costs and complexity, allowing for precise identification of substances and their properties, suitable for various industries and applications, including drug analysis, food quality control, and disease diagnosis.

Implementation Method 1

The spectra obtained are the result of UV radiation caused by the photooxidation of thiol groups (SH) and subsequent interaction with metal ions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhoto-oxidation: Photo-oxidation

Implementation Method 2

Furthermore, free radicals are generated under the influence of UV radiation, which interact with other molecules

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotodissociation: Photodissociation

Implementation Method 3

A method for identifying the properties of a sample, in particular a liquid sample... uses natural spectral properties of substances, i.e. the absorption and emission of radiation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluorescence: Fluorescence

Data Source

PatentEP3857204B1A method for identifying the properties of a sample, in particular a liquid sample
Publication Date: 2023.04.19 MENDELOVA UNIVERZITA V BRNE
  • EP3857204B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3857204B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3857204B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for identifying properties of substances, in particular liquid substances, wherein the method is based on subjecting a sample (5) of a substance containing on the one hand metal ions and on the other hand a thiol group or disulfide bonds first to the analysis in the original or untreated state, i.e. in the state not irradiated by UV radiation (2, 3, 4), and subsequently subjecting the sample to UV radiation (2, 3, 4), thereby causing spectral changes (10) which are characteristic for the given substance, and investigating the optical properties and possible differences between the original substance and the examined sample of substances based on the change in the spectral characteristics of the sample prior to its irradiation or information stored in the database about the non-radiated sample, and after its irradiation with UV radiation (2, 3, 4). Preferably, the UV radiation (2, 3, 4) in the sample (5) generates quantum nanocrystals (6), free radicals (7), degrades chemical bonds (8) or photo-bleaches (9).