Automated Cell Receptor Internalization Detection via Flow Cytometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting receptor internalization in cells are time-consuming and inefficient, particularly when dealing with rare cells like circulating tumor cells, as they require visual inspection and processing of large sample volumes.
Innovation Solution
A cell information acquisition method involving binding substances that label receptors on the cell membrane and in the intracellular area with different labeling substances, followed by flow cytometry to efficiently detect the internalization state using light-generated signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visual inspection method using confocal microscope is used to detect receptor internalization, then measurement precision can be achieved, but productivity is significantly reduced due to time-consuming manual analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical visual inspection process with an automated optical detection system. Flow cytometry instruments automatically detect and analyze fluorescent signals from labeled receptors, substituting manual microscope observation with automated optical measurement. This enables high-throughput analysis while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from visual observation to fluorescent signal intensity measurement. By labeling receptors with fluorescent markers and measuring the intensity of emitted light through flow cytometry, the system transforms qualitative visual assessment into quantitative automated measurement, significantly improving productivity.
2Measurement precision
If large amount of samples are processed to detect rare cells, then measurement precision improves, but loss of time increases due to processing volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection with automated flow cytometry detection. The automated system rapidly processes large volumes of samples, identifying rare cells based on fluorescent signal characteristics without requiring time-consuming manual examination of each cell.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary labeling of receptors with fluorescent markers before sample processing. This preliminary action enables the automated detection system to quickly identify and characterize rare cells based on their fluorescent signal profiles, reducing the time required for subsequent analysis.
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 method allows for rapid and accurate detection of receptor internalization in individual cells, even in rare cell populations, significantly reducing the time and effort required for analysis.
Implementation Method 1
labeling a receptor in an intracellular area of the cell with a binding substance labeled with a first labeling substance; irradiating the cell included in the specimen flowing through the flow path with light; and acquiring a signal based on light generated from the first labeling substance
Data Source
AI summary
A cell information acquisition method may include: binding a binding substance to a receptor on a cell membrane surface of a cell, the binding substance being bindable to the receptor; permeabilizing a cell membrane of the cell after the binding; labeling a receptor in an intracellular area of the cell with a binding substance labeled with a first labeling substance after the permeabilizing; causing a specimen including the cell to flow through a flow path after the labeling; irradiating the cell included in the specimen flowing through the flow path with light; and acquiring a signal based on light generated from the first labeling substance in the cell irradiated with light.