Combined Imaging and Probe Microscopy for Biological Sample Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for analyzing biological samples, particularly in cell biology and biotechnology, face inefficiencies and inaccuracies due to the time-consuming nature of individual measurement techniques such as atomic force microscopy (AFM) and the limitations of optical imaging in capturing mechanical and biochemical properties of cells, which hinder high-throughput screening of active substances.
Innovation Solution
A combined analysis method and apparatus that integrates imaging and probe-microscopic measurement techniques, allowing for simultaneous or parallel data collection and processing of measurement results from both methods to enhance accuracy and efficiency, particularly by using automated systems to optimize signal-noise ratio and positional information for improved data correlation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If probe-microscopic measurement methods (e.g., AFM) are used to obtain mechanical properties of cells, then measurement precision is improved, but analysis time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines optical imaging measurement and probe-microscopic measurement into a single integrated system. The optical imaging provides rapid localization and initial characterization of cells, while the probe-microscopic measurement performs detailed mechanical property analysis. By merging these two measurement modalities into one apparatus, the system achieves both high measurement precision and reduced analysis time through coordinated operation of multiple measurement techniques.
2Productivity
If automated systems are implemented to increase productivity, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system is designed with multi-functionality, where a single apparatus performs both optical imaging and probe-microscopic measurements. The system includes automated sample handling, environmental control, and data processing capabilities that serve multiple measurement functions. This universal design increases productivity by automating the entire workflow while managing complexity through integrated control rather than separate independent systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an automated control system that acts as an intermediary between the operator and the complex measurement apparatus. This control system manages the coordination between optical imaging and probe-microscopic measurement, handles sample positioning, and processes data from both modalities. By introducing this intermediary layer, the system achieves high productivity through automation while shielding the user from the underlying complexity of coordinating multiple measurement techniques.
3Loss of information
If multiple measurement techniques are used to obtain comprehensive information, then information completeness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges optical imaging capability and probe-microscopic measurement capability into a single integrated apparatus. The optical imaging system provides information about cell morphology, position, and optical properties, while the probe-microscopic system provides mechanical properties such as stiffness and adhesion forces. By combining these measurement techniques in one device, the system achieves comprehensive information coverage without requiring separate independent instruments, thus managing complexity through integration.
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 speeds up the analysis process, improves the accuracy and depth of information obtained, reduces personnel and training costs, and is particularly beneficial for cell-cell, cell-particle, and cell-substrate analyses, enhancing the characterization of biological samples and the discovery of active substances in pharmaceutical-biotechnological research.
Implementation Method 1
measurement results are obtained for one or more of the objects to be analysed in the sample, by investigating the one or more objects to be analysed by an imaging method of measurement
Implementation Method 2
probe-microscopic measurement results are recorded for the one or more objects to be analysed, by investigating the one or more objects to be analysed by a probe-microscopic method of measurement
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for the combined analysis of a sample with objects to be analyzed, in particular a sample with biological objects, in which measurement results for one or more of the objects to be analyzed in the sample are obtained by analyzing the one or more objects to be analyzed by an imaging method of measurement, probe-microscopic measurement results are obtained for the one or more objects to be analyzed by analyzing the one or more objects to be analyzed by a probe-microscopic method of measurement, and the measurement results and the probe-microscopic measurement results are assigned to one another, after optional prior intermediate processing. Furthermore, the invention relates to an apparatus for carrying out combined analysis of a sample with objects to be investigated, in particular a sample with biological objects.