Probe repairing method for biological test of terahertz near-field system

Abstract

The invention discloses a method for repairing a probe for a biological test of a terahertz near-field system, and belongs to the technical field of terahertz near-field imaging. According to the method, aiming at the problem that the imaging quality is reduced due to the fact that a probe is polluted by water or water-containing tissues in the biological sample imaging process, the pollution condition is observed through an optical microscope, and two steps of adsorbate separation and adsorbate removal are sequentially carried out. Firstly, a small amount of neutral or weakly acidic solution is dropwise added near a needle tip for dissolution, the solution diffusion range is controlled, and contact with a substrate is avoided; after the adsorbate is separated, a large amount of solution is dropwise added for washing, suction paper is used for sucking dry from the side, and the operation is repeated to ensure that pollutants are completely removed. According to the method, mechanical external force is not needed, operation is safe, simple and reliable, the probe can be effectively repaired, the service life of the probe can be effectively prolonged, and application of a terahertz near-field system in biological imaging is promoted.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The application belongs to the technical field of terahertz near-field imaging, and particularly relates to a probe repairing method for biological tests of a terahertz near-field system. BACKGROUND

[0002] The terahertz near-field imaging technology is a high-resolution microscopic technology combining terahertz waves and the principle of an atomic force microscope. The system is usually composed of a terahertz source, a terahertz light path, a probe platform, a signal processing unit and the like. The terahertz waves are focused on the tip of the atomic force microscope probe by a parabolic mirror. When the probe performs nanoscale scanning on the sample surface, the reflected terahertz waves carry the near-field information of the sample, and return to the detection system through the light path, so as to realize nanoscale or even higher precision imaging. Due to its non-destructive and high-resolution characteristics, the technology shows important potential in the microscopic structure research of biological tissues and cells and the like water-containing samples.

[0003] However, in the actual application of biological sample imaging, the terahertz near-field system faces a prominent technical problem: the probe is easily contaminated. Due to the high water content and complex surface topography of biological samples, for example, the uneven factors such as the liquid fixative used when fixing cells and the surface of the tissue section, the nanoscale tip and cantilever part of the probe are easily adsorbed with water or residues containing biological components when contacting or approaching the sample. These attachments not only change the vibration characteristics of the probe, affect the acquisition quality of the terahertz signal, but also cause the imaging resolution to decrease and the signal-to-noise ratio to deteriorate, and even cause imaging failure in severe cases.

[0004] At present, the conventional method to solve the probe contamination is to replace a new probe and recalibrate the light path. However, as a precision component, the tip and cantilever of the probe are small in size (usually about 50 microns in width), and the replacement process is complex and easy to cause damage to the tip due to mechanical stress. In addition, due to the individual differences in probe manufacturing, after replacement, multiple adjustments are often needed to achieve the ideal imaging state, which not only consumes time and effort, but also significantly increases the use cost. This technical bottleneck seriously restricts the stable application and popularization of the terahertz near-field system in biomedical research.

[0005] Therefore, it is urgent to develop a repairing method which can effectively remove the surface contaminants of the probe without introducing external force damage, so as to restore its imaging performance, improve the system reliability and expand its practical range in the field of biological imaging. SUMMARY

[0006] To solve the above technical problems, the application provides a probe repairing method for biological test of a terahertz near-field system, which effectively removes the adhesion without damaging the rest of the probe by adopting a solution dissolving method, controlling the solution range and time, and realizes the repairing of the probe without replacing the probe, increases the service life of the probe in biological imaging of the terahertz near-field system, and avoids the cost increase and complex operation caused by frequent replacement of the probe.

[0007] To achieve the above object, the application adopts the following technical scheme:

[0008] A probe repairing method for biological test of a terahertz near-field system, the method comprises:

[0009] Step 1, pollution state confirmation and positioning: fix the probe to be repaired in a self-adsorption box, and place it under an optical microscope to observe and confirm the pollution and its position on the probe tip and cantilever;

[0010] Step 2, adsorption separation: under the observation of the optical microscope, add one drop of solution at 20-50 microns in front of the contaminated probe tip, control the solution diffusion range not to touch the probe base, and after the solution continuously acts and completely volatilizes, observe whether the pollution is separated from the probe;

[0011] Step 3, adsorption removal: if the separation phenomenon is observed, continuously add 5-10 drops of solution at the base position of the probe, so that the probe cantilever and the tip are covered with the solution, then use a suction paper to dry the solution from one side of the probe, and repeat the operation again and dry the solution from the other side of the probe.

[0012] Further, in step 2, the solution used is a neutral or weakly acidic solution.

[0013] Further, the neutral or weakly acidic solution is one of 75% alcohol, 40℃ warm water or diluted 3 times of white vinegar.

[0014] Further, in step 2, one drop of solution is added through a syringe needle tube with a diameter less than 0.6mm.

[0015] Further, in step 2, if the solution diffuses to the probe base, the solution is immediately dried with a suction paper, and the distance between the drop position and the tip is increased before re-dropping.

[0016] Further, in step 2 or step 3, when the suction paper is used for operation, the suction paper and the probe tip are kept in a non-contact state.

[0017] Further, in step 2, if the pollution does not change after the solution volatilizes, the operation of step 2 is repeated until the change of the pollution is observed.

[0018] Further, after the step 3 is executed, the probe is placed under an optical microscope for observation, and if the contaminants are not completely removed, steps 2-3 are repeated.

[0019] In a second aspect, the present application provides an electronic device, comprising: one or more processors; a memory for storing one or more programs; wherein when the one or more programs are executed by the one or more processors, the one or more processors implement the aforementioned probe repair method for biological experiments of a terahertz near-field system.

[0020] In a third aspect, the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium having stored thereon executable instructions that, when executed by a processor, enable the processor to implement the aforementioned probe repair method for biological experiments of a terahertz near-field system.

[0021] The present application has the following beneficial effects:

[0022] The present application has the following beneficial effects:

[0023] The present application has the following beneficial effects:

[0024] The present application has the following beneficial effects: BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 A flowchart of the probe repair method for biological experiments of a terahertz near-field system of the present application;

[0026] Figure 2 A photograph of the contaminated probe under an optical microscope;

[0027] Figure 3 A photograph of the repaired probe under an optical microscope;

[0028] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the solution being dropped into the probe;

[0029] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the solution diffusing into the probe.

[0030] Figure label:

[0031] 1 is the probe, and 2 is the solution. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0033] like Figure 1 As shown, this invention provides a probe repair method for terahertz near-field systems used in biological experiments. It primarily addresses the problem of degraded imaging in terahertz near-field systems when water and water-containing tissues from the biological sample are adsorbed onto the nanoprobe tip and cantilever, due to the atomic contact between the nanoprobe tip and the biological sample. The invention investigates specific processes for removing adsorbed substances from the probe tip and cantilever without external force. The method specifically includes:

[0034] Step 1: Confirmation and location of contamination status;

[0035] When a terahertz near-field system exhibits signal quality degradation, blurred images, or abnormal signal frequencies during biological sample imaging, the first suspicion should be that the probe may be contaminated by the biological sample. In this case, the probe with deteriorated imaging performance should be carefully removed from the system and reliably secured in a dedicated self-adhesive cartridge to ensure probe stability during subsequent operations and prevent accidental movement.

[0036] The self-adhesive cartridge with the probe fixed to it was placed under an optical microscope for observation. The microscope's focus and magnification were adjusted to clearly image the probe's cantilever and tip area. A typical state of contaminated probe is shown below. Figure 2 As shown, irregular circular shadows are visible at the tip of probe 1 (this represents the core of adsorbed aquatic biological tissue). Simultaneously, multiple smaller contaminant particles may be attached to the cantilever. Comparing this to the repaired probe image, as shown... Figure 3 As shown, it can be clearly seen Figure 2 Location of adsorbed substances. This step allows operators to visually confirm the presence of contaminants and accurately record their location, providing a basis for subsequent targeted remediation.

[0037] Step 2: Adsorbate separation;

[0038] The core of this step is to utilize the dissolution and diffusion effects of the solution to separate the contaminant from the probe surface without contacting the probe. This step is still performed under an optical microscope, with the microscope adjusted to low magnification so that the cantilever and tip are within the imaging range, such as... Figure 4 As shown.

[0039] Solution Selection and Preparation: The selected solution should possess the following characteristics: good dissolving or loosening ability against biofilm, and neutral or weakly acidic to avoid corroding the probe substrate fixing adhesive and self-adhesive cartridge. Preferred solutions include 75% alcohol, warm water preheated to 40°C, or a white vinegar solution diluted approximately 3 times. Before use, load the solution into a microsyringe with a fine needle (diameter less than 0.6 mm) to ensure precise control of the volume of each drop.

[0040] Precise solution addition: Under the monitoring of an optical microscope (which can be switched to a lower magnification for a wider field of view), move the syringe needle to a position approximately 20-50 micrometers from the tip of the probe, and slowly inject one drop of solution 2 (e.g. Figure 4 As shown, it starts as a small inner ring and gradually expands to the outer edge. This distance is crucial, as it allows solution 2 to diffuse naturally through capillary action and other means to the contaminated areas of the needle tip 1 and part of the cantilever.

[0041] Controlling solution diffusion: After addition, solution 2 will diffuse outwards from the drop point, as shown in the schematic diagram below. Figure 5 As shown by the dashed line. The diffusion range must be strictly controlled; solution 2 must never touch the substrate of probe 1. If a tendency for solution 2 to diffuse towards the substrate is observed, immediately use absorbent paper to approach from the side and absorb any excess solution 2. When using absorbent paper, ensure a safe distance is maintained between the absorbent paper and the tip and cantilever of probe 1 to avoid any physical contact. Subsequently, move the next drop position appropriately away from the tip (e.g., increase to 50-70 micrometers) and repeat the drop operation.

[0042] Action Waiting and Effect Verification: Due to the mild nature of the selected solution, sufficient action time is required. Allow solution 2 to act on the contaminated site for at least 10 minutes. Monitor the evaporation of solution 2 under a microscope. After the solution 2 on the probe surface has completely evaporated, carefully compare the previously recorded position and morphology of the contaminant to see if there are any changes (e.g., blurred edges, reduced volume, or shifted position). If changes occur, it indicates that the adsorbate has been successfully separated. If there are no changes in the morphology or position of the contaminant, add another drop of solution 2 and repeat this step until signs of separation are observed.

[0043] Step 3: Remove the adsorbate;

[0044] This step aims to completely remove contaminants that have loosened from the probe surface through the flow of solution.

[0045] High-flow rinsing: Remove the probe along with the self-adsorption cartridge from the microscope stage. Using a syringe, rapidly and continuously add 5-10 drops of solution 2 to the base of probe 1. Ensure the droplets cover and submerge the entire cantilever and tip area of ​​the probe, creating a small-scale "rinsing" effect.

[0046] Lateral aspiration: While the droplet is still covering the probe, immediately use absorbent paper to quickly absorb the solution 2 from one side of probe 1. This operation will cause the liquid to flow from the other side towards the absorbent paper, thereby carrying away the contaminants suspended in the liquid.

[0047] Repeat to ensure cleanliness: To ensure complete removal of contaminants, repeat the rinsing and suction process described above once more, but this time the suction paper should be applied from the opposite side of the probe. By changing the direction of liquid flow, residual contaminants can be removed to the greatest extent possible.

[0048] The cleaned probe and self-adhesive cartridge were then placed back under the optical microscope for careful examination of the probe cantilever and tip surface. Simultaneously, the microscope's focus was finely adjusted to confirm the extent of contaminant removal at different depths of field. Figure 3 As shown, the repaired probe should be free of any residue or shadows and have a clean surface. If any residue is found during inspection, steps two and three should be repeated 1 to 2 times.

[0049] Through the two core steps of "adsorbate separation" and "adsorbate removal" described above, this invention successfully removes biological contaminants attached to the probe and restores the probe's imaging performance. The entire process requires no external mechanical force, is safe to operate, and has a clear workflow, significantly extending the probe's lifespan in biological experiments and effectively improving the practicality and economy of terahertz near-field systems.

[0050] In a second aspect, the present invention provides an electronic device comprising: one or more processors; and a memory for storing one or more programs; wherein, when the one or more programs are executed by the one or more processors, the one or more processors implement the aforementioned probe repair method for biological experiments in a terahertz near-field system.

[0051] Thirdly, the present invention provides a computer-readable storage medium having executable instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, enable the processor to implement the aforementioned probe repair method for biological experiments in a terahertz near-field system.

[0052] The specific embodiments described above further illustrate the purpose, technical solution, and beneficial effects of the present invention. It should be understood that the above descriptions are merely specific embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A probe repair method for a terahertz near-field system biological test, characterized by, The method comprises: Step 1, pollution state confirmation and positioning: fixing the probe to be repaired in a self-adsorbing glue box, and placing it under an optical microscope for observation to confirm the pollutants on the probe tip and cantilever and their positions; Step 2, adsorbed substance separation: under the observation of the optical microscope, a drop of solution is added 20-50 microns in front of the contaminated probe tip, the solution diffusion range is controlled not to touch the probe base, and after the solution continuously acts and completely volatilizes, whether the pollutants are separated from the probe is observed; Step 3, adsorbed substance removal: if the separation phenomenon has been observed, 5-10 drops of solution are continuously added at the base position of the probe, so that the probe cantilever and tip are covered with the solution, then the solution is sucked dry from one side of the probe with a suction paper, and the operation is repeated once and the solution is sucked dry from the other side of the probe with a suction paper.

2. The probe repair method for a terahertz near-field system biological test according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step 2, the solution used is a neutral or weakly acidic solution.

3. The probe repair method for a terahertz near-field system biological test according to claim 2, characterized in that, The neutral or weakly acidic solution is one of 75% alcohol, warm water at 40°C, or diluted 3 times white vinegar.

4. The probe repair method for a terahertz near-field system biological test according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step 2, the drop of solution is added through a syringe needle tube with a diameter less than 0.6 mm.

5. The probe repair method for a terahertz near-field system biological test according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step 2, if the solution diffuses to the probe base, the solution is immediately sucked dry with a suction paper, and the distance between the drop position and the tip is increased and then re-dropped.

6. The probe repair method for a terahertz near-field system biological test according to claim 5, wherein In step 2 or step 3, when the suction paper is used for operation, the suction paper and the probe tip are kept in a non-contact state.

7. The probe repair method for a terahertz near-field system biological test according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step 2, if the pollutants do not change after the solution volatilizes, the operation of step 2 is repeated until the change of the pollutants is observed.

8. The probe repair method for a terahertz near-field system biological test according to claim 1, wherein After step 3 is completed, the probe is placed under an optical microscope for observation, and if the pollutants are not completely removed, steps 2-3 are repeated.

9. An electronic device, comprising: Comprise: One or more processors; Memory for storing one or more programs; When the one or more programs are executed by the one or more processors, the one or more processors implement the probe repair method of the terahertz near-field system biological test according to any one of claims 1-8.

10. A computer readable storage medium characterized by, Executable instructions are stored thereon, which can make the processor implement the probe repair method of the terahertz near-field system biological test according to any one of claims 1-8 when executed by the processor.

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