Electric-Field Imaging for Cell Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for analyzing cell samples, such as flow cytometry and Electric Cell-substrate Impedance Sensing (ECIS), are time-consuming, prone to human error, and provide limited information about cell distribution, concentration, and movement, as they rely on visual inspection and single scalar measurements.
Innovation Solution
An electric-field imaging system that uses a pixel-based sensor array to create images of cells in a fluid sample, determining attributes like size, type, morphology, and concentration by measuring changes in impedance caused by cells in a substantially vertical or horizontal electric field, employing integrated circuit technology and computer imaging algorithms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If flow cytometry is used to count cells, then cell counting can be performed, but the process is time-consuming and requires manual preparation and visual inspection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical visual inspection through a microscope with an automated electric field imaging system. The system uses an array of electrodes to generate electric fields that interact with cells, converting biological samples into electrical signals that can be processed automatically by computers, thereby eliminating manual preparation and visual counting steps
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an electrical copy or representation of the cellular structure through electric field interactions. By measuring changes in electric field properties (impedance, capacitance) as cells interact with the electrode array, the system generates digital images and data representations of cells that can be analyzed automatically without physical manipulation
2Measurement precision
If visual inspection is used to count cells, then cell counting can be performed, but it is tedious and prone to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection with automated electric field detection and computer analysis. The system uses an array of electrodes to generate electric fields that interact with cells, converting biological samples into electrical signals that can be processed automatically by computers, thereby eliminating manual preparation and visual counting steps
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the sample itself to provide the measurement data through its interaction with the electric fields. Cells naturally alter the electric field properties as they pass through or interact with the electrode array, allowing the sample to self-characterize without requiring external manual intervention for measurement
3Loss of information
If ECIS is used to measure cell growth, then impedance changes can be detected, but only a single scalar measurement is obtained with no spatial information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sensing area into multiple discrete electrode elements arranged in an array. Each electrode or electrode group acts as an independent sensing element that can detect local cell presence and properties. This segmentation allows the system to obtain spatially-resolved measurements, creating images that show cell distribution, morphology, and movement across different regions of the sensor array
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-point measurement (scalar impedance value) to a multi-point measurement system that captures spatial information. By arranging electrodes in a two-dimensional array and measuring electric field changes across multiple locations, the system adds spatial dimensionality to the measurements, enabling visualization of cell distribution and movement patterns
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 rapid and accurate imaging of cells, providing detailed information on cell attributes and movement, reducing human error and increasing efficiency in cell analysis, suitable for applications like blood cell counting and agglutination assays.
Implementation Method 1
An image of the cells can be created immediately afterwards. From this image, computer imaging algorithms can determine attributes, such as size, type, morphology, volume, distribution, number, concentration, or motility of target analytes
Implementation Method 2
The cells block the electric field lines, and impedance increases as the cells grow and cover more and more of the sensor
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure describes an electric-field imaging system and method of use. In accordance with implementations of the electric-field imaging system, a fluid sample can be placed on top of a pixel-based impedance sensor. An image of the target analytes can be created immediately afterwards. From this image, computer imaging algorithms can determine attributes (e.g., size, type, morphology, volume, distribution, number, concentration, or motility, etc.) of the target analytes. The electric-field imaging sensor can be used for a variety of agglutination or agglomeration assays.