The multifunctional bioanalyzer is a composite instrument that integrates multiple analytical techniques and achieves multidimensional and high-throughput detection of biological samples through modular design. Its core goal is to address the limitations of a single technology in the analysis of complex biological systems, and provide more comprehensive data support for fields such as life science research, disease diagnosis, and drug development. The following provides a detailed explanation from two aspects: components and working principles.
1、 Component Parts
1. Sample injection and pre-processing system
-Automatic sampling module: equipped with high-precision robotic arm and sample tray, supporting automatic loading of liquid, solid, and volatile samples, compatible with multi format sample containers (such as microplates, centrifuge tubes, etc.).
-Pre processing unit: Integrated with heating, oscillation, centrifugation and other functions, it can complete pre-processing steps such as cell lysis, protein extraction, nucleic acid purification, etc. Some models are also equipped with online dilution or derivatization functions.
-Sample allocation system: Micro upgraded precise injection is achieved through high-precision peristaltic pumps or injection pumps to avoid cross contamination.
2. Separation and enrichment system
-Multi mode separation module:
-Chromatographic separation unit: It includes liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography (GC) or capillary electrophoresis (CE) systems, and reversed-phase, ion exchange or gel permeation chromatographic columns are selected according to the properties of the target.
-Electric field separation device: used for separating charged particles such as nucleic acids and proteins, supporting pulsed field electrophoresis or two-dimensional electrophoresis techniques.
-Solid phase extraction (SPE) column: used for selective enrichment of target substances in samples to improve detection sensitivity.
-Miniature flow cell: using nanofluidic or microfluidic technology to achieve sub microliter level control of reaction systems.
3. Multimodal detection system
-Optical detection module:
-Fluorescence/phosphorescence detector: used for quantitative analysis of trace amounts of DNA, proteins, and small molecule metabolites, with sensitivity up to the single-molecule level.
-Raman spectrometer: identifies substance structure through molecular vibration fingerprinting, suitable for non-destructive detection without labeling.
-Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) Sensor: Real time monitoring of interactions between biomolecules, such as antigen antibody binding.
-Mass spectrometry detection unit:
-Matrix assisted laser desorption ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS): used for proteomic analysis.
-Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS): detects metal elements and metal protein complexes.
-Electrochemical sensor array: detects electrolyte concentration through changes in redox current, suitable for rapid blood glucose or ion monitoring.
4. Joint technical interface
-Chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS) interface: the online mass spectrometry analysis of separated components is realized by using an electrospray ion source (ESI) or atmospheric pressure chemical ion source (APCI).
-Spectral Mass Spectrometry Collaborative System: Synchronizes optical signals with mass spectrometry data through fiber coupling to improve the accuracy of compound identification.
-Multidimensional data fusion platform: Integrating raw data from different detection modules, using algorithms for signal compensation and noise filtering.
5. Intelligent Control and Data Analysis System
-Touch control terminal: supports graphical programming of preset experimental procedures, and users can customize the detection sequence and parameter combination.
-Artificial intelligence assisted software:
-Adaptive optimization algorithm: automatically adjusts the separation gradient or detection sensitivity based on the sample response.
-Machine learning library: Compare historical data to achieve rapid screening and prediction of unknown objects.
-Cloud data management: supports real-time uploading of experimental data to the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and generates reports that comply with GLP standards.
2、 Working principle
1. Sample processing and injection stage
-After automated pre-processing, the raw samples are precisely injected into the separation module by the injection system. For example, serum samples are removed from high abundance proteins through SPE columns, and the target metabolites are enriched before entering the liquid chromatography system.
2. Multidimensional separation and signal acquisition
-Space separation: Chromatographic columns separate mixtures based on polarity differences, such as C18 reverse phase columns, which can distinguish fat soluble vitamins from water-soluble metabolites.
-Time resolved detection: Fluorescence detectors capture excitation signals of markers at specific wavelengths, while mass spectrometers measure ion mass to charge ratios based on differences in flight time.
-Parallel analysis: The same sample flows through different detectors (such as UV absorption and Raman spectroscopy) to simultaneously obtain concentration and structural information.
3. Data integration and complementary analysis
-Qualitative and quantitative synergy: Mass spectrometry provides precise molecular weight information, spectra supplement functional group characteristics, and jointly infer unknown chemical structures.
-Dynamic range extension: Combining high-sensitivity fluorescence detection (lower limit pg/mL level) with wide linear range electrochemical detection (up to mol/L level), covering the analysis needs of ultra trace to high concentration.
-Interference elimination: Real time monitoring of non-specific adsorption through SPR sensors to correct errors in chromatographic peak area calculation.
4. Intelligent feedback and result output
-The system automatically optimizes subsequent experimental parameters based on the detection results, such as adjusting the ion source voltage of mass spectrometry to enhance the signal response of low abundance peptide segments.
-The final data is fused with multiple algorithms (such as principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares (PLS)) to generate a visual report that supports differential expression analysis and biomarker screening.
3、 Technical advantages and application scenarios
This instrument breaks through the limitations of traditional single analysis through modular combination technology:
-Multi omics compatibility: It can simultaneously conduct metabolomics, proteomics, and metallomics testing to reveal molecular network changes in disease mechanisms.
-Ultra high throughput: capable of parallel analysis of hundreds of samples per hour, suitable for clinical testing and high-throughput drug screening needs.
-Micro detection: The consumption of single analysis samples is as low as that of nano level, and the utilization rate of precious biological samples is significantly improved.