Barcoded Nanoparticle Structures for High-Capacity Spectral Encoding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spectral encoding schemes for bead-based assays face limitations in code capacity and practical application due to low weight fraction of quantum dots, troublesome synthesis, and limited modulation of emission spectra, leading to a low number of distinguishable barcoded particles.
Innovation Solution
A library of barcoded particles is developed using composite particles with inorganic fluorescent nanoparticles encapsulated in an inorganic matrix, each particle containing multiple types of nanoparticles at weight fractions greater than 1%, allowing for a large number of unique codes and improved detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If quantum dots are encapsulated in polymer particles using solvent swelling method, then quantum dots can be loaded into particle pores, but the weight fraction of quantum dots remains low (lower than 0.5%) and synthesis becomes troublesome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the quantum dots from the polymer matrix and encapsulates them in an inorganic shell, eliminating the need for solvent swelling and capping steps. This is achieved by directly forming an inorganic shell around quantum dot-containing particles through sol-gel process, thereby increasing quantum dot weight fraction to greater than 1% while simplifying synthesis
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the encapsulation material from organic polymer to inorganic material, and changes the encapsulation method from solvent swelling to sol-gel process. This parameter change enables higher quantum dot loading (weight fraction > 1%) and eliminates troublesome synthesis steps including solvent removal and capping layer formation
2Quantity of substance
If polymer particles are used for quantum dot encapsulation, then quantum dots can be loaded into pores, but pores become blocked and diffusion is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite structure with an inorganic shell surrounding the quantum dots and polymer core. This composite material approach prevents pore blocking while maintaining quantum dot accessibility, as the inorganic shell provides a stable, non-blocking encapsulation that allows quantum dots to diffuse freely within the particle interior
3Adaptability or versatility
If organic encapsulation is used, then quantum dots can be loaded into polymer particles, but the choice of quantum dots is limited by solvent compatibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the organic polymer encapsulation system with an inorganic shell encapsulation system. This substitution eliminates solvent compatibility constraints because the inorganic shell formation through sol-gel process does not require organic solvents, thereby expanding the range of quantum dot materials that can be used regardless of their solvent compatibility
4Ease of operation
If spectral encoding schemes are used with current methods, then codes can be identified in any orientation, but code capacity is limited to less than a dozen codes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a new dimension to spectral encoding by combining spectral properties with intensity modulation through variable quantum dot weight fractions. This dimensional expansion allows code capacity to reach thousands of codes while maintaining orientation-independent identification, as each code is defined by a unique combination of spectral signature and intensity level
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
This approach enables the design of libraries with thousands of different codes, enhancing multiplexing capabilities and improving assay flexibility, reproducibility, and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
each type of the N types of inorganic fluorescent nanoparticles is encapsulated in at least one population; and the weight fraction of the inorganic fluorescent nanoparticles in the composite particles of at least one population is greater than or equal to 1%
Implementation Method 2
these schemes allow identification of codes in any orientation and are compatible with conventional bead synthesis procedures and standard detection optics
Data Source
AI summary
A library of barcoded particle population including combinations of inorganic fluorescent nanoparticles leading to unique identification of the barcoded particle population, and an essay kit including the library of barcoded particle populations and at least one fluorescent protein. Also, a device for biological assay configured to separate at an individual level the composite particles from the assay kit, dispersed in a biological sample and including a reader having at least one illumination source; and a light detector measuring light intensity and coupled to a spectrometer, wherein the at least one illumination source triggers fluorescence of the inorganic fluorescent nanoparticles encapsulated in composite particles and fluorescence of the at least one fluorescent protein