CCD ECL Detection and Plate Handling for Multi-Well Assays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing apparatuses and systems for conducting assays in multi-well plates lack improvements in automation, sensitivity, dynamic range, size, weight, and multiplexing capabilities, particularly for electrochemiluminescence measurements.
Innovation Solution
An instrument with a light detection system featuring a CCD sensor, optical lens system, and heat removal system, along with a plate handling subsystem that includes a contact platform and vertical lift system, is designed for automated electrochemiluminescence analysis in multi-well plates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a CCD sensor is used for light detection, then sensitivity and dynamic range are improved, but heat generation increases requiring active cooling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs thermoelectric cooling (Peltier effect) to actively cool the CCD sensor, maintaining it at a lower operating temperature to reduce thermal noise and improve sensitivity while managing the heat generated by the sensor itself
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful heat generated by the CCD sensor into a manageable parameter by implementing an active cooling system that uses the heat as a driving force for the thermoelectric cooler, thereby maintaining optimal sensor temperature for high sensitivity measurements
2Productivity
If automated plate handling and vertical lift systems are implemented, then productivity and automation are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into the plate handling subsystem, where the same mechanical infrastructure supports both automated plate transport and vertical lift operations, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the plate handling and vertical lift systems into a single integrated mechanical platform, sharing common components such as motors, guides, and control systems, thereby achieving automation without proportionally increasing complexity
3Measurement precision
If electrochemiluminescence measurement capabilities are enhanced, then sensitivity and dynamic range are improved, but instrument size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent concentrates the heavy and sensitive ECL detection components (CCD sensor, cooling system, optical elements) into a localized detection module, allowing the rest of the instrument to remain lightweight while maintaining high detection capability where needed
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 instrument provides high sensitivity, large dynamic range, small size, and array-based multiplexing capabilities, enabling efficient and automated electrochemiluminescence measurements in multi-well plates.
Implementation Method 1
A cooling device sized and dimensioned to cool the CCD sensor is provided
Implementation Method 2
A heat removal system comprising at least one fan oriented at an angle is provided to pull a heated air exhausted from said cooling device into a flow plenum and out of the instrument
Implementation Method 3
an optical lens system. The light detection system is positioned above a single well at a time in a multi-well plate to conduct an electrochemiluminescence analysis
Implementation Method 4
conduct an electrochemiluminescence analysis of said single well
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(b)
Figure 1(c)~1(d)
Figure 2(a)
AI summary
Apparatuses, systems, method, reagents, and kits for conducting assays as well as process for their preparation are described. The apparatuses, systems, method, reagents, and kits may be employed in conducting automated analysis in a multi-well plate assay format.