Cell Fluorescence Detection via Multi-Wavelength Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for analyzing molecule localization in cells, particularly when molecules have diverse distributions and amounts, face challenges in accurately identifying distribution states due to varying fluorescence intensities, leading to inconsistent results.

Innovation Solution

A cell information obtaining method that uses multiple fluorescent substances with different fluorescence wavelengths and intensities, bound to a test substance, to generate and separate fluorescences of varying wavelengths and intensities, allowing for the acquisition of multiple fluorescence images that can accurately identify the distribution state of molecules regardless of their intensity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single fluorescent substance is used to label test substance, then the analysis method is simple, but the identification accuracy of distribution state is insufficient when fluorescence intensity is too strong or too weak

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanalysis method simplicityVSAvoiddistribution state identification accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the fluorescence detection into multiple segments by using multiple fluorescent substances with different fluorescence characteristics. Each fluorescent substance provides a segmented view of the test substance distribution, allowing accurate identification even when individual fluorescence signals are too strong or too weak. This segmentation approach resolves the contradiction by trading method complexity for improved measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameters of fluorescence detection by using multiple fluorescent substances with different excitation wavelengths, emission wavelengths, and fluorescence intensities. This parameter diversification allows the system to capture distribution state information under varying conditions, improving identification accuracy while maintaining reasonable method simplicity through systematic parameter variation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If multiple fluorescent substances with different fluorescence wavelengths are used, then the distribution state of test substance can be accurately identified, but the device complexity and operation difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistribution state identification accuracyVSAvoidfluorescence detection system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements multi-functionality by designing a fluorescence detection system that can simultaneously handle multiple fluorescent substances with different wavelengths. The system uses multiple excitation light sources and detection channels that can detect various fluorescent substances in one measurement process, reducing the need for separate measurements and simplifying overall operation despite the increased complexity of individual components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces intermediary components such as excitation light sources with specific wavelengths and optical filters that mediate between the multiple fluorescent substances and the detection system. These intermediaries enable the system to distinguish and detect different fluorescent substances simultaneously, managing the complexity through structured intermediary elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If multiple fluorescent substances are used to generate fluorescences of different intensities, then molecules with diverse distributions can be accurately analyzed, but the operation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemolecular analysis reliabilityVSAvoidfluorescence measurement operation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by enabling the fluorescence detection system to adaptively respond to different fluorescence intensity levels. The system can dynamically adjust detection parameters and process multiple fluorescence signals with varying intensities from different fluorescent substances, ensuring reliable molecular analysis while managing operational complexity through dynamic adaptation rather than static rigid procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 accurate analysis of molecules with diverse distributions and amounts by utilizing multiple fluorescence images, ensuring appropriate identification of molecule localization even in cases where single fluorescence images are insufficient, thereby improving the reliability of molecular analysis in cells.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of fluorescent substances having different fluorescence wavelengths from each other to be bound to a test substance contained in a cell; applying light to the cell to cause fluorescences having different wavelengths and intensities to be generated from the plurality of fluorescent substances

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluorescence: Fluorescence

Data Source

PatentEP3163287B1Cell information obtaining method and cell information obtaining apparatus
Publication Date: 2022.03.23 SYSMEX CORP
  • EP3163287B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3163287B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3163287B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A cell information obtaining method comprises causing a plurality of fluorescent substances (11, 12) having different fluorescence wavelengths from each other to be bound to a test substance contained in a cell, applying light to the cell to cause fluorescences having different wavelengths and intensities to be generated from the plurality of fluorescent substances (11, 12), and obtaining a first fluorescence information and a second fluorescence information on the basis of the generated fluorescences.