Dual-Region Fluorescence Target for Photobleaching Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluorophores used in fluorescence imaging systems, such as indocyanine green (ICG), photobleach over time, making it difficult to determine the extent of photobleaching and when the fluorescence target has exceeded its useful life, with existing solutions facing issues of cost, manufacturability, and size of alternative fluorophores.
Innovation Solution
A fluorescence target is designed with a first fluorescing region and a second fluorescing region, where the first region photobleaches at a different rate than the second region, allowing for the determination of photobleaching by detecting the fluorescence emitted from both regions over time, and a fluorescence imaging control system adjusts the imaging system to account for photobleaching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional fluorophores (e.g., ICG) are used for fluorescence imaging, then the imaging system can operate with standard, cost-effective components, but the fluorophores photobleach over time making it difficult to determine when the fluorescence target has exceeded its useful life
Solution Approach 1:
A reference fluorescing region is introduced as an intermediary element that does not photobleach (or photobleaches at a significantly different rate), serving as a stable reference against which the photobleaching of the target fluorescing region can be measured. This intermediary provides a baseline for comparison, enabling accurate determination of photobleaching extent without requiring direct measurement of the target region alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the fluorescence intensity ratio between the target fluorescing region and the reference fluorescing region over time. By comparing the decay of the target region's fluorescence against the stable reference, the system provides feedback information about the photobleaching progress, allowing real-time determination of when the fluorescence target has exceeded its useful life.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If fluorophores with reduced photobleaching are used, then the useful life of the fluorescence target is extended, but the cost, manufacturability, and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fluorescence target is segmented into two distinct fluorescing regions: a target region containing the conventional fluorophore of interest and a reference region containing a different fluorophore with superior photostability. This segmentation allows the use of cost-effective conventional fluorophores for the primary imaging function while incorporating a smaller, specialized reference region that provides photobleaching resistance without requiring the entire target to be made from expensive materials.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of making the entire fluorescence target from expensive, photostable fluorophores, the patent applies the photostable reference fluorophore only locally in a specific reference region. This localized application of high-performance material provides the necessary photobleaching resistance for measurement purposes while keeping the overall manufacturing cost and complexity low by using conventional fluorophores in the target region.
3Measurement precision
If a single fluorescing region is used in the fluorescence target, then the target structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it is impossible to determine the extent of photobleaching
Solution Approach 1:
A reference fluorescing region is introduced as a mediator that enables photobleaching measurement without directly interfering with the primary imaging function. This reference region acts as an internal control, providing a stable fluorescence signal against which the target region's photobleaching can be quantified, thereby enabling measurement capability while maintaining relative structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the fluorescence target and reference regions into a single integrated fluorescence target structure that can be manufactured as one unit. By merging the target fluorescing region and reference fluorescing region into a single manufacturable component, the patent enables photobleaching measurement capability without requiring separate, complex assembly of multiple components.
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 accurate determination of photobleaching in fluorescence targets, informing users when the target has exceeded its useful life and allowing for digital correction of fluorescence images to maintain image quality.
Implementation Method 1
fluorescence emitted by fluorophores when the fluorophores are excited by fluorescence excitation illumination
Implementation Method 2
photobleaching is generally understood to be the chemical alteration of a fluorophore molecule caused by fluorescence excitation illumination such that the fluorophore molecule can no longer fluoresce
Data Source
AI summary
A fluorescence target includes a first fluorescing region and a second fluorescing region. The first fluorescing includes a first population of fluorophores that emit first fluorescence when the fluorescence target is illuminated with fluorescence excitation illumination. The first fluorescing region photobleaches at a first photobleaching rate. The second fluorescing region is proximate to the first fluorescing region and includes a second population of fluorophores that emit second fluorescence when the fluorescence target is illuminated with the fluorescence excitation illumination. The second fluorescing region photobleaches at a second photobleaching rate that is different than the first photobleaching rate.