Sample container with integrated internal reflection element
Inventors
Baker, Matthew • Hegarty, Mark • Butler, Holly Jean
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12083519-B2
Publication Date
2024-09-10
Expiration Date
Abstract
A sample container (100) for use in a ATR-FTIR spectrometer, comprises an internal reflection element “IRE” (101), the IRE comprising a first surface (104) and a second surface (105). The first surface (104) is configured to receive a sample (20) and the second surface (105) is an infrared beam-receiving surface. The IRE (101) forms at least a portion of a wall of the sample container (100), such that in use, when a sample (20) is provided on the first surface (104) of the IRE (101), the sample (20) is provided within the sample container (100).
Core Innovation
The invention relates to an ATR-FTIR compatible sample container in which an internal reflective element (IRE) is integrated into a lid or cap. The IRE includes a first surface in communication with an internal cavity and a second surface external to the container and opposite the first surface, so a sample is provided to the IRE first at a sample-receiving surface while an external beam-receiving surface interfaces with the spectrometer.
A key structural feature is that the external second surface includes a plurality of grooves or prisms. Each groove or prism defines a first face and a second face, and the first face and the second face extend at an angle relative to the second surface of about 30-75°, with aligned, parallel, adjacent, or combined arrangements recited.
The document further recites system and device configurations for clinical specimen analysis and ATR-FTIR compatibility, including cap/aperture/recess arrangements and an adaptor that couples the sample container to a spectrometer. In additional embodiments, a selectively permeable membrane container includes upper and lower compartments with a PVDF membrane and a support liquid membrane (SLM), where drug transfer through the membrane is followed by ATR-FTIR matching of resultant spectra to controls.
Claims Coverage
The independent claims define an integrated sample-container lid/cap that carries an internal reflective element (IRE) with an external, textured beam-receiving surface, and an overall spectrometer-coupling system for ATR-FTIR compatibility. Across the independent claims, inventive features focus on IRE placement in a lid/cap relative to an internal cavity, grooves or prisms on the beam-receiving surface with angled faces of about 30-75°, and configurations for clinical specimen suitability and spectrometer coupling via an adaptor.
Internal cavity lid-integrated IRE with opposite first and second surfaces
A sample container comprising an internal cavity defined by an internal wall and a lid, wherein an internal reflective element (IRE) is integrated into the lid, the IRE comprising a first surface in communication with the internal cavity and a second surface external to the container and opposite to the first surface.
Textured beam-receiving second surface with angled grooves or prisms
An IRE wherein the second surface comprises a plurality of grooves or prisms that are aligned, parallel, adjacent, or a combination thereof, wherein each groove or prism defines a first face and a second face, and wherein the first face and the second face extend at an angle relative to the second surface of about 30-75°.
Clinical-specimen suitable cap with IRE forming at least a portion of the cap wall
A device comprising a sample container with a cap suitable for analysis of a clinical specimen in a spectrometer, wherein the sample container is a vial, a tube container, or a capsule container, and wherein an internal reflective element (IRE) forms at least a portion of a wall of the cap and comprises a first surface configured to receive a sample and a second surface opposite the first surface, the second surface being a beam-receiving surface.
Cap aperture with recess integrating the IRE
A cap comprising an aperture extending from a first surface to a second, opposite surface of the cap; a recess in the first surface placed over the aperture; and an internal reflection element (IRE) integrated into the recess.
System with spectrometer adaptor coupling a lid-integrated IRE container
A system comprising a sample container with an internal cavity defined by an internal wall and a lid, at least one internal reflective element (IRE) integrated into the lid with a first surface in communication with the internal cavity and a second surface external to the container opposite the first surface, the second surface comprising aligned, parallel, adjacent grooves or prisms with first and second faces extending at an angle relative to the second surface of about 30-75°, and a spectrometer comprising an adaptor configured to couple the sample container to the spectrometer.
Across the independent claims, the coverage centers on a container, lid, or cap that integrates an internal reflective element whose external beam-receiving surface is formed with grooves or prisms having angled faces of about 30-75°, together with arrangements that position the sample on the internal first surface and enable coupling to a spectrometer, including an adaptor-coupled system for ATR-FTIR compatibility and clinical specimen suitability.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
ATR-FTIR/PCA differentiation of adulterated milk (whole vs skimmed).
Whisky dilution detection via PCA separation of water/dilution signatures.
Olive oil adulteration detection via PCA separation.
Powder analysis and drug fingerprinting.
Serum analysis.
Selective-membrane container embodiments in which drug transfer through a PVDF membrane and a support liquid membrane (SLM) results in ATR-FTIR matching of resultant spectra to controls (Venlafaxine hydrochloride).
Clinical specimen analysis using a cap suitable for analysis of a clinical specimen in a spectrometer.
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