Core-Shell Fluorescent Polymer Particles for Multiplex Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting substances using fluorescent labeling are limited by low sensitivity and are prone to non-specific reactions, especially when using polystyrene particles, which also pose safety and environmental concerns.
Innovation Solution
A fluorescent polymer fine particle set with a core-shell configuration, incorporating different lanthanoid dyes in each particle, allows for simultaneous detection of multiple target substances with high sensitivity by utilizing distinct excitation and emission wavelengths, and includes a hydrophilic shell with reactive functional groups for improved binding efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If polystyrene particles are used for fluorescent labeling, then the labeling can be achieved with simple operations, but the sensitivity is insufficient and non-specific reactions occur due to hydrophobicity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses core-shell structured fine particles where the core contains the fluorescent substance (europium chelate or dye) and the shell is formed by a hydrophilic polymer. This composite structure combines the fluorescent properties of the core with the hydrophilic, non-fouling properties of the shell, achieving both high sensitivity and reduced non-specific reactions.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydrophilic polymer shell acts as an intermediary layer between the hydrophobic fluorescent substance and the aqueous environment. This shell prevents direct interaction between the hydrophobic core and water, reducing non-specific reactions while maintaining fluorescent signal intensity.
2Ease of manufacture
If polystyrene particles are used for fluorescent labeling, then the labeling can be achieved with simple operations, but non-specific reactions occur due to hydrophobic surface
Solution Approach 1:
The core-shell structure combines a fluorescent core with a hydrophilic polymer shell, creating a material that maintains fluorescent properties while eliminating hydrophobic surface effects that cause non-specific reactions.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydrophilic polymer shell serves as a mediator that prevents direct contact between the hydrophobic fluorescent core and the aqueous environment, thereby preventing non-specific adsorption and improving detection specificity.
3Reliability
If core-shell fine particles with hydrophilic shell are used, then non-specific reactions are suppressed, but fluorescence intensity is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes parameters such as the thickness of the hydrophilic shell, the concentration of fluorescent substances in the core, and the composition of the shell polymer to achieve both high specificity and high fluorescence intensity. By carefully controlling these parameters, the shell thickness is optimized to prevent non-specific reactions while allowing sufficient fluorescent signal transmission.
4Adaptability or versatility
If semiconductor nanoparticle fluorescent materials are used, then different wavelengths can be detected, but safety and environmental concerns arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces persistent semiconductor nanoparticles with organic fluorescent substances (dyes or europium chelates) that can be easily disposed of and do not pose long-term environmental or safety concerns. These organic fluorophores achieve similar multiplex detection capabilities through selective excitation and emission wavelengths.
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 the simultaneous detection of multiple target substances with enhanced sensitivity and specificity, reducing non-specific reactions and environmental concerns associated with traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
a first fluorescent lanthanoid dye incorporated in the polymer fine particle and containing a lanthanoid cation; and a second fluorescent polymer fine particle containing the polymer fine particle, and a second fluorescent lanthanoid dye different from the first fluorescent lanthanoid dye
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a fluorescent polymer fine particle set including at least a first fluorescent polymer fine particle including a polymer fine particle having a core-shell configuration formed by a hydrophobic core and a hydrophilic shell, and a first fluorescent lanthanoid dye incorporated in the polymer fine particle and containing a lanthanoid cation, and a second fluorescent polymer fine particle including the polymer fine particle, and a second fluorescent lanthanoid dye different from the first fluorescent lanthanoid dye, a fluorescence detecting complex member set, a fluorescent polymer fine particle composition, and a fluorescence detecting method utilizing the same.