Droplet-Based Cell Detection Device for Circulating Tumor Cells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting circulating tumor cells (CTCs) face challenges such as low sensitivity, long detection times, low throughput, and poor accuracy due to the need for bulky and expensive equipment, as well as issues with cell loss during sample transfer, which hinder clinical application.
Innovation Solution
A cell detection method and device that divides a liquid sample into droplets with fewer than ten cells each, allowing for optical detection and identification of target cells using a drive array and imaging unit, without requiring bulky equipment, and includes a stain agent for fluorescence imaging to determine and collect target droplets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional CTC detection methods are used, then detection sensitivity can be achieved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the liquid sample into multiple droplets, each containing a limited number of cells (ideally one cell per droplet). This segmentation allows the use of simple optical detection tools to examine individual droplets, thereby achieving high detection sensitivity without requiring complex bulky equipment. The droplet-based approach enables parallel processing of multiple samples simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex mechanical separation and detection systems with a simpler droplet-based optical detection system. By using optical methods to detect target cells in droplets, the need for complicated mechanical equipment is eliminated, reducing device complexity while maintaining detection precision.
2Measurement precision
If traditional CTC detection methods are used, then detection accuracy can be achieved, but detection time increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the sample into droplets with limited cell numbers, the invention enables parallel detection of multiple droplets simultaneously. This segmentation strategy dramatically reduces detection time while maintaining accuracy, as multiple samples can be processed at the same time using simple optical detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention allows for continuous detection by examining droplets sequentially or in parallel using optical methods. The droplet-based approach enables uninterrupted detection processing, eliminating the lengthy detection times associated with traditional methods while preserving detection accuracy.
3Reliability
If traditional CTC detection methods are used, then detection reliability can be achieved, but throughput decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the liquid sample into multiple droplets, each containing a limited number of cells. This segmentation enables parallel processing of multiple droplets simultaneously, dramatically increasing throughput while maintaining detection reliability. The droplet-based approach allows for high-volume sample processing without compromising accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The droplet-based detection system serves multiple functions: it can detect target cells, count cells, and process multiple samples simultaneously. This multi-functionality increases throughput and productivity while maintaining reliable detection results across different sample types.
4Measurement precision
If sample transfer is performed in traditional methods, then detection can be performed, but cell loss occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the sample processing and detection steps by performing detection directly on droplets formed from the liquid sample. This integration eliminates the need for separate sample transfer and processing steps, thereby preventing cell loss while maintaining detection capability. The droplets serve as both the sample container and the detection target.
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 enables high separation efficiency, short detection time, high throughput, and accurate detection of CTCs, reducing cell loss and operational complexity, making it suitable for clinical use.
Implementation Method 1
providing an electrical signal to the first drive units of the first drive array to divide the liquid sample into the plurality of droplets
Implementation Method 2
the fluorescent stain agent includes at least one selected from a group consisting of: a DAPI fluorescent agent, a CK-FITC fluorescent agent, and a CD45-PE fluorescent agent
Data Source
AI summary
A cell detection method and a cell detection device. The cell detection method includes: dividing a liquid sample into a plurality of droplets in a sample detection region so that each of the plurality of droplets includes fewer than ten cells; and performing optical detection on the plurality of droplets in the sample detection region to determine a target droplet including a target cell from the plurality of droplets.