Closed Fluorescence Cell Counting for Sterile Particle Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cell counting methods in cell processing and culture are prone to sterility issues and lack automation suitability, particularly when distinguishing between cells and other particles in bright-field microscopic observation.
Innovation Solution
A particle detection device and method utilizing a closed system with a holding part, flow channels, a fluorescence detection part, and a mixing part with a solid-phase fluorescent reagent to accurately count particles, ensuring sterility and automation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If bright-field microscopic observation using white light is used for cell counting, then the method is simple and widely applicable, but it is difficult to distinguish cells from other particles in the suspension
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies fluorescence staining to change the optical properties of cells. By using fluorescent reagents that bind to cellular components (nucleic acids, proteins), cells emit characteristic fluorescence signals at specific wavelengths, enabling clear differentiation from non-fluorescent particles. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining simplicity while dramatically improving particle identification capability through optical property changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces fluorescent reagents as intermediary substances that mediate between the cells and the detection system. These reagents selectively bind to cellular structures and convert invisible cellular components into detectable fluorescent signals, allowing accurate cell identification in complex suspensions without complicating the overall detection approach.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual sampling of cell suspension is performed for counting, then the process is flexible and adaptable, but sterility cannot be ensured and automation suitability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical sampling operations with an automated fluorescence-based detection system. The system uses optical excitation and detection mechanisms to automatically identify and count cells, eliminating the need for manual sampling steps. This substitution maintains flexibility through programmable parameters while ensuring sterility by avoiding open-system manual operations and enabling full automation suitability.
3Measurement precision
If fluorescent reagents are used to label live cells for counting, then particle identification capability is improved, but the device complexity and process steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the fluorescent labeling function with the detection system itself. By integrating fluorescent reagent addition, mixing, and fluorescence detection into a single unified device platform, the system achieves high particle identification capability without proportionally increasing overall device complexity. The merging of functions allows the fluorescent labeling process to be seamlessly incorporated into the detection workflow.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a universal detection platform that can perform multiple functions: cell suspension handling, fluorescent reagent addition, mixing, and fluorescence detection. This multi-functional design allows the same device to accommodate different fluorescent reagents and detection protocols, reducing the need for separate specialized equipment and thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining high identification capability.
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 device ensures accurate particle counting, particularly of cells, by distinguishing between live and dead cells and other particles through fluorescence detection, maintaining sterility and automation suitability.
Implementation Method 1
a fluorescence detection part that detects fluorescence emitted from the particles contained in the suspension through the observation window
Implementation Method 2
a liquid feeding part that transfers the suspension held in the holding part to the observation window
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a particle detection device and a particle detection method that have high particle identification properties, can ensure sterility, and have automation suitability.A particle detection device includes a holding part that holds a suspension containing particles, a first flow channel that is connected to the holding part, an observation window that is connected to the first flow channel, a liquid feeding part that transfers the suspension held in the holding part to the observation window, and a fluorescence detection part that detects fluorescence emitted from the particles contained in the suspension through the observation window.