Cell Mechanical Force Typing for Real-Time High-Throughput Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for characterizing and typing cells and multicellular aggregates are costly, complex, and lack the ability to monitor cellular interactions in real-time and with high throughput, often requiring expensive equipment and potentially interfering with cell functions.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a cellular mechanical force detection device that measures cellular mechanical force and hardness through microcolumn deformation, converting it into optical signals for high-throughput, low-cost characterization with single-cell resolution, enabling real-time monitoring and flexible characterization of cellular interactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional biochemical methods (fluorescence resonance energy transfer, biotin-avidin system, ELISA) are used to detect cell states and binding with macromolecules, then detection sensitivity is improved, but the methods require labeling or modification of targets which may interfere with normal cell functions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces biochemical detection methods (optical, chemical) with a mechanical detection system. Microcolumns mechanically interact with cells to measure mechanical properties such as stiffness, adhesion force, and elastic modulus. This mechanical approach eliminates the need for fluorescent labels, antibodies, or other biochemical modifications that could interfere with cell function, while still providing sensitive and specific cell characterization.
2Measurement precision
If physical methods (atomic force microscopy, mechanical force microscopy, impedance spectroscopy) are used to measure mechanical or electrical properties of cells, then cell morphology and function information is obtained, but the equipment cost is high and operation is complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive microcolumn arrays that can be fabricated using standard microfabrication techniques. These microcolumns serve as single-use or reusable mechanical sensors that replace expensive atomic force microscopes and impedance spectroscopy equipment. The simple optical detection system (using basic microscopy to observe microcolumn deflection) greatly reduces operational complexity compared to sophisticated physical methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates simplified copies of complex measurement functions. Instead of using expensive atomic force microscopy to measure mechanical properties, the system uses arrays of microcolumns that replicate the mechanical sensing function in a much simpler, more affordable format. The microcolumns copy the essential function of complex physical sensors while eliminating their cost and complexity drawbacks.
3Measurement precision
If existing physical methods are used to monitor cells, then cell mechanical properties are measured, but throughput is low and long-term real-time monitoring is difficult due to limitations such as phototoxicity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical-based mechanical measurement methods with a purely mechanical measurement system. Microcolumns physically contact and measure cell mechanical properties through direct mechanical interaction, eliminating the need for continuous optical illumination that causes phototoxicity. This enables long-term, real-time monitoring of cell mechanics over days or weeks without harming the cells, while allowing high-throughput simultaneous measurement of many cells in parallel.
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 accurate, real-time characterization and typing of cells and multicellular aggregates with over 98% accuracy, allowing for high-throughput monitoring of cellular interactions and drug responses without phototoxic effects, and simulating the cellular microenvironment.
Implementation Method 1
measuring and acquiring cellular physical information... converting it into optical signals
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to the field of biotechnology, and in particular to a method for characterizing, typing and identifying cells and use thereof. Cellular physical information includes cellular mechanical force and/or hardness obtained under at least one of the following conditions: an interaction between cells and/or multicellular aggregates, cells and/or multicellular aggregates at different growth times, different regions within multicellular aggregates, an effect of a substance on cells and/or multicellular aggregates, and an effect of other physical, biological or chemical factors on cells and/or multicellular aggregates. According to the present invention, typing and identification are performed on the cells and/or the multicellular aggregates through the above characterization method. The present invention characterizes real-time and continuous states of the cells and/or the multicellular aggregates through the cellular physical information, which can identify various types and states of cells and/or multicellular aggregates in a short time, at low cost and with high throughput, with an accuracy rate of over 98%; The present invention is further defined to be implemented through a characterization system, which can achieve the above effects.