Biological Sample Analysis with Dual Illumination
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for analyzing biological samples are limited in their ability to provide accurate and efficient optical and image analysis, particularly for small sample volumes and diverse sample types, often requiring multiple steps and reagents, which can lead to inaccuracies and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
The development of a system and method using a sample holder with an optically transmissive portion and reflective surfaces that enables both epi-illumination and trans-illumination, combined with a detector assembly for multichannel microscopy, allowing for simultaneous quantitative and descriptive analysis of cells and samples, including small biological samples like blood or urine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple reagents and steps are used for sample analysis, then measurement precision may be improved, but device complexity and loss of time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple illumination modes (epi-illumination and trans-illumination) into a single optical system that can operate in both modes. The sample holder is designed with optical features that enable both illumination types to be achieved using the same physical apparatus, eliminating the need for separate analysis steps for different illumination conditions and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical system is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - it can provide both epi-illumination for fluorescent signal detection and trans-illumination for light scatter measurement using the same light source and detector assembly. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate reagents and analysis steps that would otherwise be required for different measurement modes.
2Measurement precision
If multiple reagents and steps are used for sample analysis, then measurement precision may be improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables continuous simultaneous measurement of both fluorescent signals and light scatter properties without requiring sequential analysis steps. The dual illumination mode allows both types of measurements to occur concurrently on the same sample, eliminating the time required for separate analysis procedures and reagent additions.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple measurement functions are merged into a single analytical step where both epi-illumination-based fluorescence detection and trans-illumination-based light scatter measurement are performed simultaneously on the same sample, eliminating the need for multiple sequential steps and reducing total analysis time.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional illumination methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is designed with universal adaptability to handle diverse sample types including whole blood, plasma, serum, urine, and other biological fluids. The same apparatus can analyze different sample types by simply changing the illumination mode (epi or trans) without requiring different equipment configurations, making the system highly versatile across multiple application areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The sample holder incorporates localized optical features at specific positions to enable different illumination modes. The bottom surface of the sample holder can provide trans-illumination while side surfaces can provide epi-illumination, allowing the system to adapt to different sample types and measurement requirements through localized optical path variations rather than requiring complete system reconfiguration.
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 precise and efficient analysis of biological samples, improving the accuracy of cell identification and component measurement, reducing the need for multiple reagents and steps, and accommodating small sample volumes, while providing both qualitative and quantitative data.
Implementation Method 1
a sample holder having an optically transmissive portion and a portion configured to provide internal reflection of light within the sample holder
Implementation Method 2
internal reflections may include partial internal reflection and may include total internal reflection of light
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C~1D
AI summary
Methods, devices, apparatus, and systems are provided for image analysis. Methods of image analysis may include observation, measurement, and analysis of images of biological and other samples; devices, apparatus, and systems provided herein are useful for observation, measurement, and analysis of images of such samples. The methods, devices, apparatus, and systems disclosed herein provide advantages over other methods, devices, apparatus, and systems.