Multicolor Afterglow Nanoparticles for High-Contrast Multiplex Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluorescence probes for multiplex imaging suffer from short lifetimes and interference from excitation light and background autofluorescence, necessitating complex time-gated devices and algorithms to separate emissions.
Innovation Solution
Development of multicolor afterglow nanoparticles (AGNPs) with long lifetimes and tunable emissions, synthesized via a template method, allowing high-contrast multiplex imaging without time-gating systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional fluorescence probes are used for multiplex imaging, then multi-color observation can be achieved, but the imaging quality is compromised by severe scattering from excitation light and strong background autofluorescence due to short lifetimes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static fluorescence emission to dynamic afterglow emission with extended lifetimes. The nanoparticles exhibit time-dependent emission characteristics where the afterglow persists long after excitation ceases, enabling temporal separation of signal from background interference through lifetime encoding different colors at different time points
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of emission lifetime from microseconds to seconds or longer. By doping CdSiO3 nanoparticles with different rare earth ions (Eu3+, Tb3+, Dy3+, Mn2+), the emission lifetime and color can be tuned independently, allowing true multicolor differentiation without time-gating while eliminating excitation light scattering interference
2Adaptability or versatility
If lifetime encoding is used to achieve multicolor imaging, then different colors can be represented by different lifetimes, but complicated time-gated devices and algorithms are required to separate these lifetimes from each other and from background signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent directly changes color through rare earth ion doping rather than encoding color information in lifetime. Different dopants produce distinct emission colors (Eu3+: red, Tb3+: green, Dy3+: yellow, Mn2+: orange) with naturally occurring lifetime differences. This allows true multicolor imaging where color and lifetime are both inherent properties, eliminating the need for complex time-gating algorithms to decode color information
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive complex time-gated imaging systems with simple, straightforward nanoparticle probes that provide inherent multicolor afterglow. The simplicity of the nanoparticle design and imaging approach eliminates the need for sophisticated equipment while achieving superior multicolor imaging capability
3Productivity
If fluorescence probes with short lifetimes are used, then emission can be recorded simultaneously with light excitation, but the imaging quality is heavily affected by severe scattering from excitation light and strong background autofluorescence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing a brief UV excitation pulse that charges the nanoparticles with energy before the actual imaging process. The excitation light is turned off before image acquisition begins, allowing the afterglow to emit without interference from excitation light scattering. This temporal separation maintains imaging speed while eliminating harmful interference
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
AGNPs provide superior signal-to-background contrast for multiplex imaging, enabling true color multiplexing and high-contrast multi-channel imaging in vitro and in vivo with simple imaging setups.
Implementation Method 1
directing one or more UV light beams at one or more nanoparticles disclosed herein; and detecting or analyzing an afterglow emission of the nanoparticles
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides novel nanoparticles with tunable and multi-color afterglow emission for extended time after excitation, and compositions thereof as well as methods for their preparation and use in various applications.