Optical sensor measurement module, optical sensor measurement set, and detection device

Abstract

An optical sensor measurement module 10 includes a substrate 11, and a light emitting element 12 and a light receiving element 13 that are disposed on one surface of the substrate 11. The light emitting element 12 is configured to irradiate an optical sensor 20 with excitation light, and the light receiving element 13 is configured to receive sensor light emitted fluorescently from the optical sensor 20.

Description

Optical sensor measurement module, optical sensor measurement set, and detection device

[0001] The present invention relates to an optical sensor measurement module, an optical sensor measurement set, and a detection device.

[0002] Patent Literature 1 discloses a method, a container, and an apparatus for observing the metabolic activity of cultured cells in a solvent. The method comprises housing the cells and the solvent in a container that is partially permeable to transport oxygen into the solvent, optically measuring the oxygen concentration in the solvent using a sensor membrane between the cultured cells and a portion of the container that is predominantly permeable to the oxygen transported in the solvent, and comparing the oxygen concentration measured in the solvent with the concentration measured in a reference container containing only the solvent but no cells and / or an oxygen concentration calculated using measurements of other parameters.

[0003] Special Publication No. 2002-534997

[0004] 1 to 4 of Patent Document 1 describe the following: - Placing an optical sensor chip inside a culture vessel filled with culture medium; - Measuring the optical signal of the optical sensor chip from the outside of the culture vessel using an optical fiber; - Sending excitation light and sensor light through a single optical fiber and separating the excitation light and sensor light using a beam splitter. The light emitted by the optical sensor chip changes depending on the dissolved oxygen concentration in the culture medium. Therefore, the dissolved oxygen concentration can be determined by measuring the change in light emitted by the optical sensor chip.

[0005] However, the invention described in Patent Document 1 has the problem that, because measurement is performed using optical fibers, space is required in the direction perpendicular to the irradiation surface of the excitation light.Furthermore, the invention described in Patent Document 1 also has the problem that as the number of sensors increases, the connection of the optical fibers becomes complicated.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and aims to provide an optical sensor measurement module that can be installed in a small space and can obtain a high received light intensity. Another aim of the present invention is to provide an optical sensor measurement set and a detection device that include the optical sensor measurement module.

[0007] The optical sensor measurement module of the present invention comprises a substrate, and a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element arranged on one side of the substrate, the light-emitting element being configured to irradiate excitation light to the optical sensor, and the light-receiving element being configured to receive sensor light emitted as fluorescence from the optical sensor.

[0008] The optical sensor measurement set of the present invention comprises an optical sensor measurement module of the present invention and an alignment jig for aligning the position of the optical sensor measurement module relative to the optical sensor, and the alignment jig consists of a frame body surrounding the through hole.

[0009] The detection device of the present invention comprises an optical sensor measurement module of the present invention arranged outside a light-transmitting container, and an optical sensor arranged inside the container so as to face the optical sensor measurement module.

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an optical sensor measurement module that can be installed in a small space and that can obtain a large received light intensity. Furthermore, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an optical sensor measurement set and a detection device that include the optical sensor measurement module.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of an optical sensor measurement module of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a plan view schematically showing an example of an optical sensor measurement module of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of a detection device including an optical sensor measurement module of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a plan view schematically showing an example of an optical sensor measurement module in which two light-receiving elements are arranged on one surface of a substrate. FIG. 5 is a plan view schematically showing an example of an optical sensor measurement module in which two light-emitting elements are arranged on one surface of a substrate. FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing an example of an optical sensor measurement module including a phase comparator. FIG. 7 is a perspective view schematically showing an example of an optical sensor measurement module used in combination with an alignment jig.

[0012] The optical sensor measurement module, optical sensor measurement set, and detection device of the present invention will be described below. Note that the present invention is not limited to the following configurations and may be modified as appropriate within the scope of the present invention. In addition, a combination of multiple individual preferred configurations described below also constitutes the present invention.

[0013] In this specification, terms indicating the relationship between elements (e.g., "perpendicular," "parallel," "orthogonal," etc.) and terms indicating the shape of elements are not expressions that only express a strict meaning, but are expressions that also include a range of substantial equivalence, for example, a difference of about a few percent.

[0014] The drawings shown below are schematic diagrams, and the dimensions, aspect ratio, and other scales may differ from those of the actual product. In the drawings, the same or equivalent parts will be designated by the same reference numerals. In addition, the same elements will be designated by the same reference numerals in each drawing, and duplicate explanations will be omitted.

[0015] Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of an optical sensor measurement module of the present invention, and Fig. 2 is a plan view schematically showing an example of an optical sensor measurement module of the present invention.

[0016] 1 and 2 includes a substrate 11, and a light-emitting element 12 and a light-receiving element 13 disposed on one surface of the substrate 11 (the upper surface of the substrate 11 in FIG. 1). The optical sensor measurement module 10 preferably further includes a filter 14 and a wall portion 15.

[0017] 1 and 2, the optical sensor measurement module 10 further includes a drive circuit for the light-emitting element 12 and an amplifier circuit that amplifies the current output by the light-receiving element 13. The drive circuit and the amplifier circuit do not have to be arranged on one surface of the substrate 11. For example, the drive circuit and the amplifier circuit may be arranged on the other surface of the substrate 11 (the lower surface of the substrate 11 in FIG. 1), or may be arranged on a substrate separate from the substrate 11.

[0018] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of a detection device equipped with the optical sensor measurement module of the present invention.

[0019] 3 includes an optical sensor measurement module 10 and an optical sensor 20. The optical sensor measurement module 10 is disposed outside an optically transparent container 30. On the other hand, the optical sensor 20 is disposed inside the container 30 so as to face the optical sensor measurement module 10.

[0020] As shown in Figure 3, in the optical sensor measurement module 10, the light-emitting element 12 is configured to irradiate excitation light to the optical sensor 20, and the light-receiving element 13 is configured to receive sensor light emitted as fluorescence from the optical sensor 20.

[0021] 3 can monitor, for example, the metabolism of cells (not shown) cultured in a culture medium 31 in a container 30. As in Patent Document 1, the light emitted by the optical sensor 20 changes depending on the dissolved oxygen concentration in the culture medium 31, and the dissolved oxygen concentration can be determined by measuring the change in light emitted by the optical sensor 20. In this case, the container 30 may be a small container such as a petri dish or a flask, or a large container such as that used in a bioreactor.

[0022] For example, in bioreactors, since it is difficult to clean the inside of the container, single-use bags (disposable bags) that are used only once are used as the containers. Because such single-use bags are usually flexible, when in use, they are housed and fixed inside a housing made of stainless steel or the like, which is a cylindrical container with an open top and a closed bottom.

[0023] 1 to 3, the optical sensor measurement module 10 can have a thin, planar structure by arranging the light emitting element 12 and the light receiving element 13 on one surface of the substrate 11. This allows the optical sensor measurement module 10 to be installed even in a narrow space. This makes it possible to use the module in, for example, a single-use bag or the like, where the gap between the housing and the container is narrow.

[0024] Furthermore, in the optical sensor measurement module 10, excitation light is irradiated onto a wider area than an optical fiber, causing the optical sensor 20 to emit fluorescence over a wider area, thereby obtaining a large received light intensity.

[0025] 2, when viewed from the thickness direction of the substrate 11, the area of ​​the light-receiving element 13 is preferably larger than the area of ​​the light-emitting element 12. Here, the area means the area of ​​the outer shape. By making the area of ​​the light-receiving element 13 larger than the area of ​​the light-emitting element 12, the sensor light can be received over a wider area, thereby obtaining a higher received light intensity.

[0026] 1 and 3, the optical sensor measurement module 10 preferably further includes a filter 14 that can transmit sensor light on the side of the light-receiving element 13 opposite the substrate 11 (on the upper side of the light-receiving element 13 in FIGS. 1 and 3). The filter 14 can prevent excitation scattered light from entering the light-receiving element 13.

[0027] The filter 14, which can transmit the sensor light, may be disposed on the wall portion 15. In other words, the filter 14 may be supported by the wall portion 15. Alternatively, the filter 14 may be formed as a thin film on the upper surface of the light-receiving element 13.

[0028] Although not shown in Figures 1 and 3, the optical sensor measurement module 10 may further include a filter that can transmit excitation light on the side of the light-emitting element 12 opposite the substrate 11 (on the upper side of the light-emitting element 12 in Figures 1 and 3). In this case, unnecessary colored light contained in the light-emitting element 12 can be cut out, allowing the optical sensor 20 to operate with high precision. In particular, when the wavelengths of the light from the light-emitting element 12 and the sensor light are close, these lights can be separated by the filter.

[0029] The filter capable of transmitting the excitation light may be disposed on the wall portion 15 or may be formed as a thin film on the upper surface of the light-emitting element 12 .

[0030] 1 to 3, the optical sensor measurement module 10 preferably further includes a wall 15 on one surface of the substrate 11, at least between the light-emitting element 12 and the light-receiving element 13. The wall 15 can prevent the excitation light emitted by the light-emitting element 12 from directly entering the light-receiving element 13 from the side (see the arrow in FIG. 2).

[0031] The material forming the wall portion 15 is not particularly limited as long as it is a material that does not transmit light, and examples thereof include metal materials, resin materials, and inorganic materials (graphite, ceramics, etc.).

[0032] 2, the wall portion 15 preferably surrounds the light receiving element 13. In this case, it is possible to block unnecessary light from the outside.

[0033] Furthermore, the wall portion 15 may surround the light emitting element 12. As shown in Figure 2, the wall portion 15 may be arranged in a frame shape along the outer periphery of the substrate 11.

[0034] 1, the light emitting element 12 is preferably lower than the wall portion 15. Similarly, the light receiving element 13 is preferably lower than the wall portion 15.

[0035] A step may be provided on the upper surface of the wall portion 15. As shown in Fig. 1, it is preferable that a step is provided on the upper surface of the wall portion 15 surrounding the light receiving element 13, and the filter 14 is provided on the step. This prevents light from entering from the side surface of the filter 14.

[0036] The optical sensor measurement module of the present invention preferably further includes a transmitter that transmits an electrical signal obtained from the sensor light to a control terminal outside the module. In particular, the transmitter preferably transmits the electrical signal obtained from the sensor light wirelessly. Wireless transmission eliminates the need for wiring connections.

[0037] The transmitter may or may not be arranged on one surface of the substrate on which the light emitting element and the light receiving element are arranged. For example, the transmitter may be arranged on the other surface of the substrate on which the light emitting element and the light receiving element are arranged, or may be arranged on a substrate different from the substrate on which the light emitting element and the light receiving element are arranged.

[0038] The optical sensor measurement module of the present invention may be configured to detect the intensity of sensor light. In this case, the signal processing is simple, so it can be processed by a circuit with low processing power. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the size and power consumption of the signal processing circuit.

[0039] The optical sensor measurement module of the present invention may be configured to calculate the dissolved oxygen concentration from the intensity of the sensor light, in which case the transmitter transmits data on the dissolved oxygen concentration.

[0040] In the optical sensor measurement module of the present invention, two or more light receiving elements may be arranged on one surface of the substrate.

[0041] FIG. 4 is a plan view schematically showing an example of an optical sensor measurement module in which two light receiving elements are arranged on one surface of a substrate.

[0042] For example, the excited scattered light from the light-emitting element 12 is received by the first light-receiving element 13A as reference light, and the sensor light is received by the second light-receiving element 13B. In this case, the first light-receiving element 13A reflects the state of the optical transmission path. Therefore, the change in the intensity of the sensor light can be determined from the ratio between the first light-receiving element 13A and the second light-receiving element 13B.

[0043] In this way, when two or more light receiving elements are arranged on one surface of the substrate, the sensor light intensity is detected based on the intensity of the reference light, so the scale of the signal processing circuit can be reduced.

[0044] Furthermore, if two or more light receiving elements are arranged on one surface of the substrate, multiple items can be sensed.

[0045] In the optical sensor measurement module of the present invention, two or more light emitting elements may be arranged on one surface of the substrate.

[0046] FIG. 5 is a plan view schematically showing an example of an optical sensor measurement module in which two light-emitting elements are arranged on one surface of a substrate.

[0047] For example, if the optical sensor does not emit light due to the light irradiated from the first light-emitting element 12A, the scattered light from the first light-emitting element 12A is used as reference light and received by the light-receiving element 13. On the other hand, if the optical sensor is excited by the light irradiated from the second light-emitting element 12B and emits light, the sensor light is received by the light-receiving element 13. In this case, the first light-emitting element 12A reflects the state of the optical transmission path. Therefore, the change in the intensity of the sensor light can be determined from the ratio between the illumination of the first light-emitting element 12A and the illumination of the second light-emitting element 12B.

[0048] In this way, when two or more light-emitting elements are arranged on one surface of the substrate, the sensor light intensity is detected based on the intensity of the reference light, so the scale of the signal processing circuit can be reduced.

[0049] Furthermore, if two or more light emitting elements are arranged on one surface of the substrate, multiple items can be sensed.

[0050] In the optical sensor measurement module of the present invention, when two or more light receiving elements are arranged on one surface of the substrate, one light emitting element or two or more light emitting elements may be arranged on one surface of the substrate.Similarly, when two or more light emitting elements are arranged on one surface of the substrate, one light receiving element or two or more light receiving elements may be arranged on one surface of the substrate.

[0051] The optical sensor measurement module of the present invention may be configured to detect the phase difference between excitation light modulated by a sine wave and sensor light. It is known that optical sensors not only change their fluorescence intensity but also their fluorescence lifetime depending on the dissolved oxygen concentration. By detecting the phase difference, it is possible to observe changes in the fluorescence lifetime. Detecting the phase difference is less susceptible to external disturbances than detecting the light intensity.

[0052] For example, the optical sensor measurement module of the present invention may further include a phase comparator (also simply referred to as a phase shifter).

[0053] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an optical sensor measurement module equipped with a phase comparator.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 6, a phase comparator may be used to detect the phase difference between the excitation light modulated by a sine wave and the sensor light.

[0055] Alternatively, it is possible to modulate the excitation light with a sine wave and detect the phase difference between the excitation light and the sensor light by software without using a phase comparator, for example, by performing FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) processing.

[0056] The optical sensor measurement module of the present invention may be configured to calculate the dissolved oxygen concentration from the detected phase difference.

[0057] The optical sensor measurement module of the present invention may be used in combination with an alignment jig. The alignment jig allows the optical sensor measurement module to be accurately positioned relative to the optical sensor. Specifically, the light-emitting element and light-receiving element of the optical sensor measurement module can be positioned to face the optical sensor in an optimal manner.

[0058] FIG. 7 is a perspective view schematically showing an example of an optical sensor measurement module used in combination with an alignment jig.

[0059] 7, an alignment jig 40 is fixed between the optical sensor measurement module 10 and the container 30. The alignment jig 40 is fixed to the container 30 via a fixing means such as double-sided tape 50. Similarly, the optical sensor measurement module 10 is fixed to the alignment jig 40 via a fixing means such as double-sided tape. Note that the fixing means are not particularly limited and may be the same or different.

[0060] The alignment jig 40 is made of a frame surrounding the through-hole 45. The shape of the through-hole 45 is not particularly limited. Similarly, the outer shape of the frame is not particularly limited. The shape of the outer edge of the frame may be the same as or different from the shape of the inner edge of the frame (i.e., the shape of the through-hole 45). In addition, the material constituting the frame is not particularly limited, and may be a light-transmitting material or a light-opaque material.

[0061] When viewed from the thickness direction of the substrate 11 , the through hole 45 of the alignment jig 40 is located in a position that overlaps with the light emitting element 12 and the light receiving element 13 of the optical sensor measurement module 10 and also overlaps with the optical sensor 20 .

[0062] The through-holes 45 can be used to accurately determine the position of the alignment jig 40 relative to the optical sensor 20. Therefore, the light-emitting element 12 and the light-receiving element 13 of the optical sensor measurement module 10 can be positioned opposite the optical sensor 20 in the optimal position.

[0063] The optical sensor measurement module, optical sensor measurement set, and detection device of the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, various applications and modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention with respect to the configurations, manufacturing conditions, etc. of the substrate, light-emitting element, light-receiving element, optical sensor, and container.

[0064] The present specification discloses the following:

[0065] <1> An optical sensor measurement module comprising: a substrate; and a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element arranged on one surface of the substrate, wherein the light-emitting element is configured to irradiate an optical sensor with excitation light; and the light-receiving element is configured to receive sensor light emitted as fluorescence from the optical sensor.

[0066] <2> The optical sensor measurement module according to <1>, wherein the area of ​​the light receiving element is larger than the area of ​​the light emitting element when viewed in the thickness direction of the substrate.

[0067] <3> The optical sensor measurement module according to <1> or <2>, further comprising a filter capable of transmitting the sensor light on the side of the light receiving element opposite to the substrate.

[0068] <4> The optical sensor measurement module according to any one of <1> to <3>, further comprising a wall portion on one surface of the substrate, at least between the light emitting element and the light receiving element.

[0069] <5> The optical sensor measurement module according to <4>, wherein the wall portion surrounds the light receiving element.

[0070] <6> The optical sensor measurement module according to any one of <1> to <5>, wherein two or more of the light receiving elements are arranged on one surface of the substrate.

[0071] <7> The optical sensor measurement module according to any one of <1> to <6>, wherein two or more of the light-emitting elements are arranged on one surface of the substrate.

[0072] <8> The optical sensor measurement module according to any one of <1> to <7>, configured to detect the intensity of the sensor light.

[0073] <9> The optical sensor measurement module according to any one of <1> to <7>, configured to detect a phase difference between the excitation light modulated by a sine wave and the sensor light.

[0074] <10> The optical sensor measurement module according to any one of <1> to <9>, further comprising a transmitter for transmitting an electrical signal obtained from the sensor light.

[0075] <11> An optical sensor measurement set comprising: an optical sensor measurement module according to any one of <1> to <10>; and an alignment jig for aligning the position of the optical sensor measurement module relative to the optical sensor, wherein the alignment jig is made of a frame body surrounding the through-hole.

[0076] <12> A detection device comprising: the optical sensor measurement module according to any one of <1> to <10>, which is arranged outside a light-transmitting container; and an optical sensor arranged inside the container so as to face the optical sensor measurement module.

[0077] <13> The detection device according to <12>, further comprising an alignment jig fixed between the optical sensor measurement module and the container, wherein the alignment jig is made of a frame body surrounding a through hole, and when viewed from the thickness direction of the substrate, the through hole of the alignment jig is positioned to overlap with the light-emitting element and light-receiving element of the optical sensor measurement module and also overlap with the optical sensor.

[0078] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 Optical sensor measurement module 11 Substrate 12 Light-emitting element 12A First light-emitting element 12B Second light-emitting element 13 Light-receiving element 13A First light-receiving element 13B Second light-receiving element 14 Filter 15 Wall portion 20 Optical sensor 30 Container 31 Culture medium 40 Alignment jig 45 Through hole 50 Double-sided tape 100 Detection device

Claims

1. A substrate; a light emitting element and a light receiving element disposed on one surface of the substrate, the light emitting element is configured to irradiate the optical sensor with excitation light; The light receiving element is configured to receive sensor light emitted by fluorescence from the optical sensor, an optical sensor measurement module that is independent of the optical sensor;

2. A substrate; a light emitting element and a light receiving element disposed on one surface of the substrate, the light emitting element is configured to irradiate the optical sensor with excitation light; The light receiving element is configured to receive sensor light emitted by fluorescence from the optical sensor, The optical sensor measurement module further comprises a filter capable of transmitting the sensor light on the side of the light receiving element opposite the substrate.

3. 3. The optical sensor measurement module according to claim 1, wherein the area of the light receiving element is larger than the area of the light emitting element when viewed in the thickness direction of the substrate.

4. The optical sensor measurement module according to claim 1 , further comprising a wall portion on one surface of the substrate, at least between the light emitting element and the light receiving element.

5. The optical sensor measurement module according to claim 4 , wherein the wall portion surrounds the light receiving element.

6. 3. The optical sensor measurement module according to claim 1, wherein two or more of the light receiving elements are arranged on one surface of the substrate.

7. 3. The optical sensor measurement module according to claim 1, wherein two or more of the light emitting elements are arranged on one surface of the substrate.

8. 3. The optical sensor measurement module according to claim 1, configured to detect the intensity of the sensor light.

9. 3. The optical sensor measurement module according to claim 1, wherein the optical sensor measurement module is configured to detect a phase difference between the excitation light modulated by a sine wave and the sensor light.

10. 3. The optical sensor measurement module according to claim 1, further comprising a transmitter for transmitting an electrical signal obtained from the sensor light.

11. An optical sensor measurement module; an alignment jig for aligning the optical sensor measurement module with respect to the optical sensor; the alignment jig is made of a frame body surrounding the through-hole, The optical sensor measurement module includes a substrate, and a light emitting element and a light receiving element disposed on one surface of the substrate, the light emitting element is configured to irradiate the optical sensor with excitation light; The optical sensor measurement set, wherein the light receiving element is configured to receive sensor light fluorescently emitted from the optical sensor.

12. an optical sensor measurement module disposed outside the optically transparent container; an optical sensor disposed inside the container so as to face the optical sensor measurement module; The optical sensor measurement module includes a substrate, and a light emitting element and a light receiving element disposed on one surface of the substrate, the light emitting element is configured to irradiate the optical sensor with excitation light; The light receiving element is configured to receive sensor light emitted by fluorescence from the optical sensor.

13. An alignment jig is further provided between the optical sensor measurement module and the container, the alignment jig is made of a frame body surrounding the through-hole, The detection device described in claim 12, wherein, when viewed from the thickness direction of the substrate, the through hole of the alignment jig is located in a position that overlaps with the light-emitting element and light-receiving element of the optical sensor measurement module and also overlaps with the optical sensor.