Acoustic Microscopy with Cross-Axis Shear Waves for Cell Stiffness Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing acoustic microscope systems struggle to measure the compressional/shear stiffness of cells and image cell and organoid geometry at high resolution while minimizing the impact on the cell/organoid, particularly in a lab-on-chip setup.
Innovation Solution
An acoustic microscope system with a compressional wave transducer and a laterally offset shear wave element generates and injects waves at specific frequencies to interact with objects in a medium, allowing for the measurement of compressional waves affected by shear waves, using a processor to determine object properties based on these interactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional acoustic microscope systems are used to measure cell stiffness and image geometry, then measurement capability is provided, but the impact on the cell/organoid is significant and resolution is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the measurement functions into distinct components: a compressional wave transducer for imaging and a laterally offset shear wave source for stiffness measurement. This segmentation allows each component to operate with optimized parameters, reducing the overall impact on the cell while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses compressional waves as an intermediary to indirectly measure shear stiffness properties. Instead of directly applying shear waves that would significantly disturb the cell, the system generates compressional waves that interact with shear wave-induced deformations, providing a gentler measurement approach.
2Measurement precision
If high resolution imaging and stiffness measurement are achieved, then measurement quality improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compressional wave transducer serves multiple functions: it acts as both an imaging transducer and a detector for shear wave-induced deformations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby limiting device complexity while maintaining measurement quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines the imaging and stiffness measurement functions into a single integrated system where the compressional wave transducer and shear wave source work together. The processor integrates data from both functions to provide comprehensive cell characterization, avoiding the need for separate independent systems.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables high-resolution measurement of viscoelastic properties and imaging of small objects like cells and organoids with minimal disturbance, facilitating applications in organ-on-chip systems for disease study and drug development.
Implementation Method 1
The compressional wave transducer is configured to generate and inject compressional waves at a compressional wave frequency into the medium. The compressional waves are generated to travel along an acoustic axis to interact with an object disposed in the medium
Implementation Method 2
The shear wave element is configured to generate and inject shear waves at a shear wave frequency into the medium. The shear waves are generated to travel along a secondary axis which intersects with the acoustic axis at the object with a non-zero angle between the axes
Implementation Method 3
The shear waves are configured to cause shear wave oscillations directed transverse (perpendicular) to the secondary axis and at least partially directed along the acoustic axis
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
An acoustic microscope system (100) comprises a container (10) for holding a medium (M) with an object (C) to be measured. Compressional waves (Wc) are generated by a probe (20) into the medium (M). The compressional waves (Wc) travel along an acoustic axis (A) to interact with the object (C). Shear waves (Ws) are generated by a shear wave source (30) into the medium (M). The shear waves (Ws) travel along a secondary axis (B) which intersects with the acoustic axis (A) at the object (C) with a non- zero angle (θ). The shear waves (Ws) are configured to cause shear wave oscillations directed transverse to the secondary axis (B) and at least partially directed along the acoustic axis (A). A measurement of the object (C) is determined based on the compressional waves (Wc) having interacted with the object (C) as a function of the generation of the shear waves (Ws).