Cell Analyzer Using Switchable Fluorescent Dyes for Marker Counting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current diagnostic methods for diseases like breast cancer require skilled professionals to interpret fluorescence images, leading to variability in diagnosis and complexity in determining disease conditions.
Innovation Solution
A cell analyzer system that uses switchable fluorescent dyes to capture images of cells, allowing for the creation of diffraction-limited and super-resolution images, enabling accurate counting of disease markers like HER-2 genes and centromere regions, and providing a ratio for therapeutic strategy decisions without requiring extensive visual analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If visual observation and manual determination are used to diagnose disease conditions from fluorescence images, then diagnostic accuracy can be maintained by skilled professionals, but the complexity of work increases and diagnosis varies depending on the person making the determination
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic determination of disease conditions by having the computer count fluorescent signals and calculate ratios autonomously, eliminating the need for manual visual analysis by professionals while maintaining diagnostic accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The manual visual observation and determination process is replaced by an automated computer-based system that uses image processing algorithms to count fluorescent signals and determine disease conditions, substituting human expertise with mechanical automation
2Reliability
If skilled professionals perform manual determination of disease conditions, then diagnostic accuracy can be maintained, but the time required for diagnosis increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system autonomously performs the complete diagnostic process including image acquisition, signal counting, ratio calculation, and disease condition determination without requiring professional intervention, significantly reducing diagnosis time while maintaining accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The automated system can continuously process multiple images and samples without interruption, performing all analytical steps in sequence without the breaks and transitions inherent in manual determination processes
3Loss of information
If conventional fluorescence imaging is used to count disease markers, then the distribution state of fluorescence can be visualized, but the precision of counting disease markers decreases due to diffraction limits
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from conventional two-dimensional fluorescence imaging to three-dimensional super-resolution imaging, adding the z-axis dimension to resolve fluorescent signals that are otherwise indistinguishable in the x-y plane, thereby improving counting precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the resolution parameter by implementing super-resolution imaging techniques that overcome the diffraction limit, allowing precise distinction of fluorescent signals closer than the conventional resolution limit
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 highly accurate and consistent diagnosis of disease conditions by simplifying the interpretation of fluorescence images, reducing the need for skilled professionals and improving the accuracy of disease marker counting, thus facilitating more precise therapeutic strategies.
Implementation Method 1
first fluorescent dyes which each bind to one first substance... second fluorescent dyes which each bind to one second substance
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3D
AI summary
A processing unit 111 of a cell analyzer 10 obtains a first image by performing an inactivation process of quenching first fluorescent dyes, an activation process of activating a part of the first fluorescent dyes that have been quenched, and an image capturing process of capturing, by means of an image capturing unit 19, an image of fluorescence by applying light from a light source unit 11 to test cells. The processing unit 111 extracts bright points based on the first fluorescent dyes on the basis of the first image; classifies the extracted bright points into groups each corresponding to one first substance, thereby to obtain the number of first substances in each test cell on the basis of the number of the classified groups; obtains therapy index information serving as an index for therapeutic strategy judgement, on the basis of the obtained number of the first substances; and causes a display unit 120 to display the obtained therapy index information.