Biological Analysis Flow Channels With 3D Light Scattering Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current flow cytometry devices face a gap in effectively characterizing biological systems, particularly in terms of optical characterization and analysis of particles in fluid, which is crucial for biological research and diagnostics.
Innovation Solution
An analyte processing device is developed, integrating flow channels, excitation sources, and photodetectors with a light scattering control system, enabling high-resolution imaging and analysis of biological entities, including cells and molecules, by collecting and processing optical signals to enhance signal-to-noise ratio and facilitate three-dimensional structure reconstruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional flow cytometry devices are used, then basic optical characterization can be performed, but the ability to effectively characterize biological systems is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the optical detection process into multiple specialized photodetectors positioned at different angles and locations around the flow channel. Each photodetector captures specific scattering patterns (forward scattering, side scattering, back scattering), allowing comprehensive characterization of biological particles through divided measurement functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from conventional single-point or limited-angle detection to three-dimensional optical characterization by positioning photodetectors in multiple spatial dimensions around the flow channel. This enables reconstruction of particle morphology and internal structure from multi-angle scattering data, adding dimensional depth to optical analysis.
2Measurement precision
If multiple photodetectors are used to improve detection capability, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow channel design serves multiple functions simultaneously: it guides sample flow, positions particles at detection points, and provides structural support for mounting photodetectors. The optical path components are designed to perform multiple roles, such as lenses that both focus excitation light and collect scattered light, reducing the need for separate specialized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the excitation source and detection system into an integrated flow cytometry device. The flow channel itself is designed to facilitate both fluid flow and optical interaction, combining hydraulic and optical functions in a single structural element, thereby reducing overall device complexity despite multiple detection channels.
3Measurement precision
If light scattering control system is integrated to improve signal-to-noise ratio, then measurement precision improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light scattering control system utilizes parameters such as photodetector positioning angles, distances from the flow channel, and optical aperture sizes that can be adjusted during device design and manufacturing. By optimizing these parameters, the system achieves high signal-to-noise ratios without requiring complex active control mechanisms, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining measurement precision.
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
The device achieves high-throughput, high-resolution imaging and analysis of biological systems, reducing noise interference and enabling accurate characterization of cells and molecules, with improved sensitivity and precision, suitable for applications such as cancer detection and multi-omics analysis.
Implementation Method 1
The optical signals from the particles can be caused by one or more interactions between the input light and the particles such as forward scattering (FSC), side scattering (SSC), and fluorescence
Implementation Method 2
Optical signals from such particles can be collected by an optical detector, such as a photomultiplier tube (PMT)
Data Source
AI summary
One aspect provided herein is an analyte processing device, comprising one or more flow channels, wherein at least one flow channel of the one or more flow channels comprise an analyte processing area; one or more excitation sources in optical communication with the analyte processing area and comprising an optical path from the one or more excitation sources to the analyte processing area; and one or more photodetectors in optical communication with the analyte processing area, wherein the optical path comprises a light scattering control system.