Analyte Quantity Estimation Using Matrix Photodetector Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for estimating the quantity of an analyte in a liquid, such as D-dimer in blood, are bulky and limited to observing a small volume, and do not effectively estimate analyte quantity.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that involves introducing the liquid into a fluid chamber, mixing it with a bi-specific reagent, lighting the chamber with an excitation beam, acquiring images using a matrix photodetector, and estimating the analyte quantity based on image indicators, allowing for a larger observation volume with reduced system bulk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a spatially coherent light source with a small beam surface is used to characterize particles in a fluid chamber, then the coagulation or sedimentation dynamics can be effectively characterized, but the system becomes relatively bulky and can only observe a small volume of liquid
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from observing particles in a small focused volume to capturing transmission images across a large area of the fluid chamber. By using a matrix photodetector that records the entire illuminated area simultaneously, the system observes liquid volume in two dimensions (area) rather than focusing on a small three-dimensional volume, thereby increasing the observed liquid volume while maintaining measurement precision through image analysis of particle dynamics across the entire field.
2Measurement precision
If a spatially coherent light source is used to illuminate the fluid chamber, then particle dynamics can be characterized, but the system becomes relatively bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential measurement function from a complex spatially coherent light source system. Instead of requiring full spatial coherence across the entire beam, the invention uses a spatially coherent light source only to illuminate a specific small area within the fluid chamber, while the matrix photodetector captures transmission images of the entire chamber area. This extraction allows using simpler lighting while achieving the same particle dynamics characterization through area-wide imaging.
3Measurement precision
If the laser beam surface is small (10 μm2 to several mm2), then particle interaction can be observed, but the observation volume of liquid is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by changing the observation dimension from a small focused beam area to a large area transmission image. The spatially coherent light source illuminates a small area for precise particle interaction observation, while the matrix photodetector captures the transmission image across the entire fluid chamber area. This allows the system to maintain precise particle interaction observation in the illuminated region while simultaneously observing particle dynamics across the entire large liquid volume in the image plane.
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 accurate estimation of analyte quantity in a larger volume of liquid with a more compact system, improving diagnostic capabilities for conditions like thrombosis and disseminated intravascular coagulation.
Implementation Method 1
mixing the liquid with a bi-specific reagent, the bi-specific reagent being configured for grafting on both a particle and an analyte present in the liquid
Implementation Method 2
lighting the fluid chamber using an excitation beam emitted by a light source, the beam extending through the fluid chamber
Implementation Method 3
acquiring at least one image using a matrix photodetector, the image being formed by radiation transmitted by the lighted fluid chamber
Data Source
AI summary
This method for estimating the quantity of an analyte contained in a liquid includes the following steps:introducing the liquid into a fluid chamber;mixing the liquid with a bi-specific reagent, the bi-specific reagent being configured for grafting on both a particle and an analyte present in the liquid;lighting the fluid chamber using an excitation beam emitted by a light source, the beam extending through the fluid chamber;acquiring at least one image using a matrix photodetector, the image being formed by radiation transmitted by the lighted fluid chamber; andestimating, from at least one acquired image, the quantity of said analyte in the liquid.