US 2020/0348326 A1 · Fluidic Sample Pretreatment Device

Abstract

A fluidic sample pretreatment device is described. The device is capable of manipulating fluid samples in several different manners: 1) mixing the sample with other fluids in a large-bore syringe and receptacle, 2) mixing the sample with other fluids in narrow-bore capillary channels, 3) treating the sample or fluid mixture by passage through a solid-phase sorbent cartridge, 4) measuring optical properties in the sample or fluid mixture by means of UV absorbance or fluorescence, 5) subjecting the sample fluid or fluid mixture to a controlled temperature. The device can transfer the treated sample to an analytical instrument (e.g. a chromatograph or a mass spectrometer) for separation and/or analysis. The device is unique and novel in combining capabilities of fluid mixing both in a large-bore syringe barrel, as well as in narrow-bore tubing. Moreover, in-syringe mixing is promoted by liquid movement between the syringe and the receptacle, rather than by a stir bar located in the syringe. A further unique feature is the use of flow-through ports for feature integration on the selector valve: both a sample introduction point and an optional solid-phase sorbent cartridge are incorporated in this manner.

Claims4

Dependent claims

An apparatus for automated fluidic sample pretreatment, comprising:

a. a syringe pump, equipped with a 9-port head valve
b. a mixing receptacle, consisting of a large-bore barrel, attached to the middle port of the syringe pump head valve
c. a multipositional fluid selector valve, in fluidic connection with the syringe pump, either/both via a short straight capillary tube or/and a long coiled capillary tube
d. a modification on the selector valve stator, connecting two ports to create a flow-through port for routing the effluent of a solid-phase extraction cartridge
e. a solid-phase extraction cartridge, connected to a modified flow-through port on the multipositional selector valve
f. a modification on the selector valve stator, connecting two ports to create a flow-through port for routing the intake of sample fluid
g. a source of sample, connected to a modified flow-through port on the multipositional selector valve
h. a sampling pump, connected to a modified flow-through port on the multipositional selector valve
i. sources of reagents, buffers, diluents and solvents, connected either to the syringe pump head valve, or to the multipositional selector valve
j. a fluidic connection from the multipositional selector valve to an analytical device that the sample is transferred to following completion of the pretreatment process

7 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Fluidic Sample Pretreatment Device

Life of this patent

Fluidic Sample Pretreatment Device

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims4