Acoustic Microscopy with Shear Wave Coupling for 3D Viscoelastic Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing acoustic microscope systems struggle to measure the viscoelastic properties of cells and organoids in a 3D medium with high resolution while minimizing disruption, particularly in the context of organ-on-chip applications for studying diseases like cancer.
Innovation Solution
An acoustic microscope system utilizing a compressional wave transducer and a laterally offset shear wave source to generate and measure compressional and shear waves, respectively, interacting with objects in a medium to determine properties based on the changes induced by shear waves on compressional waves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single compressional wave transducer is used for measurement, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision of viscoelastic properties is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines compressional wave transducer and shear wave transducer into a single integrated acoustic probe. The compressional wave transducer measures compressional wave properties while the shear wave transducer generates and measures shear waves. By merging these functions in one probe, the system achieves high-precision viscoelastic measurement without requiring separate devices, thus improving measurement precision while controlling device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The acoustic probe is designed with multi-functionality to perform both compressional wave measurement and shear wave generation/detection. This universal design allows a single probe to execute multiple measurement functions, eliminating the need for separate specialized devices and achieving comprehensive viscoelastic characterization with controlled complexity.
2Measurement precision
If high-frequency waves are used for high-resolution measurement, then the measurement precision improves, but the object is more disrupted by the measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs mechanical vibration through shear waves at controlled frequencies to probe viscoelastic properties. By using shear wave vibration rather than high-intensity compressional waves, the system achieves high-resolution measurement of mechanical properties while minimizing disruptive effects on living cells. The vibrational approach allows non-invasive or minimally invasive measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system varies acoustic wave parameters including frequency, amplitude, and wave type (compressional vs. shear) to optimize measurement resolution while minimizing cell disruption. By adjusting these parameters, the system can achieve high measurement precision at frequencies and intensities that are less harmful to biological samples.
3Measurement precision
If separate compressional and shear wave measurements are performed, then the measurement precision of viscoelastic properties improves, but the measurement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges compressional wave measurement and shear wave measurement capabilities into a single integrated acoustic probe and measurement system. Both wave types can be generated and measured through the same probe in sequence or simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate measurement procedures and reducing total measurement time while maintaining high precision viscoelastic characterization.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system performs compressional and shear wave measurements in continuous sequence through the same acoustic probe without requiring removal or reconfiguration. This continuous measurement approach maintains the sample in place and eliminates setup time between different measurement types, thereby reducing total measurement time while achieving comprehensive viscoelastic property assessment.
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 cells and organoids with minimal disruption, facilitating the characterization and monitoring of cancer progression and drug efficacy.
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. 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.
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. Accordingly, the shear waves can further interact with the object to cause a change in the compressional waves having interacted with the object and measured by the acoustic probe.
Data Source
AI summary
An acoustic microscope system is described that includes a container for holding a medium with an object to be measured. Compressional waves are generated by a probe into the medium. The compressional waves travel along an acoustic axis to interact with the object. Shear waves are generated by a shear wave source into the medium. The shear waves travel along a secondary axis which intersects with the acoustic axis at the object with a non-zero angle. The shear waves are configured to cause shear wave oscillations directed transverse to the secondary axis and at least partially directed along the acoustic axis. A measurement of the object is determined based on the compressional waves having interacted with the object as a function of the generation of the shear waves.