Biological Sample Tracking via Optical Marker Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods fail to efficiently track and identify individual biological samples, particularly rare cells, in large numbers within a single vessel during 3D cell culture, making it difficult to analyze and isolate them effectively.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the preparation of discrete entities with a polymeric compound and a marker, arranged in an imaging container, where optical read-outs are generated to determine characteristics and identify specific entities of interest, allowing for unique identification and tracking of biological samples.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple biological samples are handled in a single vessel during 3D cell culture, then the productivity and efficiency of cell culture operations are improved, but the ability to track and identify individual samples is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficiency of handling multiple samplesVSAvoididentification of individual samples

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the identification system into discrete segments by assigning unique markers to individual discrete entities (hydrogel beads or microtiter plate wells). Each entity can be independently tracked through optical imaging, allowing simultaneous handling of multiple samples while maintaining individual identification. This segmentation enables high-throughput processing without losing sample-specific information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If individual discrete entities are tracked and identified in large numbers, then the precision of rare cell analysis is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of rare cell analysisVSAvoidcomplexity of tracking system

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces markers as intermediary elements that facilitate the tracking of discrete entities. These markers (fluorescent beads, dyes, or other optically detectable elements) serve as mediators between the biological samples and the imaging system, enabling precise identification without requiring complex direct tracking mechanisms. The markers simplify the overall system while maintaining high measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If optical read-outs are generated for multiple discrete entities, then the capability to identify specific entities of interest is improved, but the time required for analysis increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to identify entities of interestVSAvoidtime for optical analysis

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention enables simultaneous optical read-out of multiple discrete entities through parallel imaging capabilities. By capturing images of many marked entities at once rather than sequentially, the system achieves comprehensive identification capability without proportionally increasing analysis time. This partial action approach (imaging a subset or all entities in parallel) maintains high reliability while minimizing time loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 the unique identification and tracking of biological samples, facilitating their isolation and further processing, such as cultivation and downstream analysis, even when handled in large numbers within a single vessel.

Implementation Method 1

generating at least one first optical read-out of at least one discrete entity of the plurality of discrete entities

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical detection: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

each discrete entity comprising a polymeric compound, at least one biological sample of the plurality of biological samples, and a marker

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluorescence: Fluorescence

Data Source

PatentUS20240385196A1Method and device for assaying a plurality of biological samples

Publication Date: 2024.11.21 LEICA MICROSYSTEMS CMS GMBH

AI summary

A method for assaying a plurality of biological samples is provided. The method includes preparing a plurality of discrete entities, each discrete entity comprising a polymeric compound, at least one biological sample, and a marker; arranging the plurality of discrete entities in an imaging container; generating at least one first optical read-out of at least one discrete entity; determining a first representation of the marker and at least one characteristic related to the at least one biological sample for the at least one discrete entity based on the at least one first optical read-out; and identifying the at least one discrete entity of the plurality of discrete entities from the imaging container as a discrete entity of interest based on the at least one characteristic related to the at least one biological sample and the first representation of the marker of the at least one discrete entity.