Cytometer Unit Fluorescent Sample Carrier Bleaching
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Solution Overview
Problem
In cytometry methods, achieving accurate fine alignment of the cytometer channel with respect to the optical path is challenging due to the sample carrier's reaction to light, causing interference from intrinsic fluorescence, which complicates the detection and evaluation of measurement signals.
Innovation Solution
The sample carrier is made of a fluorescent, translucent material that is bleached by light before measurement, allowing for optical deactivation and reducing the influence of intrinsic fluorescence during fine alignment, enabling improved signal quality through adjustment of the optical path and detector arrangement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the sample carrier is made of fluorescent material to enable standardized and frequent execution of cytometry, then the manufacturing precision and ease of operation are improved, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to intrinsic fluorescence interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by bleaching the fluorescent material of the sample carrier before the actual measurement. The sample carrier is exposed to strong light (e.g., laser) to degrade its fluorescent properties in advance, so that during subsequent measurements, the intrinsic fluorescence interference is minimized or eliminated, allowing accurate detection of particle signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameter of the sample carrier from fluorescent to non-fluorescent state through bleaching. By altering the fluorescent properties of the sample carrier material, the system transforms the carrier from a source of interference into a neutral substrate that does not emit fluorescence during measurement, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If automated fine alignment is performed by searching for optimal alignment based on measurement signal characteristics, then the measurement precision is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring increases due to signal interference from sample carrier fluorescence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary bleaching of the sample carrier before attempting automated fine alignment. This preliminary action removes the fluorescent interference that would otherwise mask subtle signal changes during alignment adjustments, enabling the detection system to accurately identify optimal alignment based on measurement signal characteristics without confusion from carrier fluorescence.
3Measurement precision
If the sample carrier is kept stationary during measurement to maintain alignment, then the measurement precision is improved, but the productivity decreases due to inability to perform automated fine adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs all necessary alignment adjustments and fine tuning while the sample carrier is still stationary and accessible, before proceeding to the actual measurement phase. The automated fine alignment system can freely adjust optical components and reposition the detector arrangement without worrying about maintaining stability during measurement, thereby achieving both high precision and productivity.
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 allows for precise automated fine adjustment of the cytometer channel, reducing interference from the sample carrier's fluorescence and enhancing signal quality, enabling effective detection of particles within the sample.
Implementation Method 1
the sample carrier consists of a fluorescent, translucent material at least in a region of the cytometer channel and that the fluorescent, translucent material is bleached by the action of light before the cytometric measurement
Implementation Method 2
the fluorescent, translucent material is bleached by the action of light before the cytometric measurement
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a cytometer unit (1) with a receptacle (2), which is designed for inserting a replaceable sample carrier (3) and in which an optical path (4) for carrying out a cytometric measurement is formed. It is proposed that the sample carrier (3) is bleached in a region (10) around a sensitive area (18) predetermined by a detector arrangement (8) and/or that a position of the optical path (4) is changed at the inserted sample carrier (3) using a changing means (16).