Fiber Probe Microfluidic Raman Spectroscopy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Raman spectroscopy in microfluidic systems faces limitations due to low Raman cross sections of bio-molecules, requiring long integration times and is hindered by background signals from substrates in microscope-based systems, which also restrict miniaturization and flexibility in sample inspection angles.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic device with orthogonal or collinear fiber-based Raman probes directly inserted into the channel, featuring bandpass and longpass filters optimized for efficient excitation and collection, allowing for miniaturization and reduced background noise, and enabling alignment-free, portable biochemical sensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If microscope-based systems are used to collect Raman data from microfluidic chips, then Raman spectra can be obtained, but the signal is acquired through a substrate which has its own background signal, limiting detection efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the Raman detection function from the bulk microscope system and relocates it directly into the microfluidic channel via fiber optic probes. This removes the detection path through the substrate, eliminating the substrate background signal that previously limited detection efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Fiber optic probes serve as intermediaries between the external Raman system and the microfluidic sample. These probes deliver excitation light directly to the sample and collect Raman signals without requiring the signal to pass through the substrate, thus eliminating substrate interference while maintaining system integration.
2Measurement precision
If microscope-based systems are used for Raman detection, then Raman spectra can be obtained, but this precludes miniaturization
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber optic probes are inserted into the microfluidic chip channels, nesting the detection functionality within the existing chip structure. This allows the Raman detection system to be miniaturized and integrated directly into the microfluidic platform without requiring a separate bulk microscope.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the bulky mechanical microscope system with compact fiber optic probes that can be inserted into microfluidic channels. This substitution enables miniaturization while maintaining Raman detection capability, transforming a table-top instrument into a chip-integrated system.
3Volume of moving object
If excitation and collection fibers are bundled together in the same probe head facing the same direction, then the overall shape is small, but the configuration is complex and expensive to make
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the probe system into separate excitation and collection fiber probes that can be manufactured independently and then integrated. This segmentation simplifies the manufacturing of each individual probe while enabling flexible configuration options, contrasting with the complex bundled probe design.
4Volume of moving object
If excitation and collection fibers are bundled together, then the overall shape is small, but they lack flexibility to inspect samples at different angles
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes the probe configuration dynamic and adjustable by using separate, flexible fiber optic probes that can be independently positioned and oriented. This allows the system to adapt to different inspection angles and sample geometries, contrasting with the fixed rigid structure of bundled probes.
5Volume of moving object
If a non-collimated beam passes through the filters in the bundled probe design, then the compact structure is maintained, but filter efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention performs preliminary collimation of the light beam before it passes through the filters. By ensuring the beam is collimated prior to filter interaction, the system achieves maximum filter efficiency while maintaining the compact probe structure, resolving the trade-off between compactness and filter performance.
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
The solution enhances detection sensitivity and reduces background noise, achieving better signal-to-noise ratios and miniaturization, with improved portability and flexibility in sample inspection, and demonstrates the capability to detect bio-analytes at physiological levels with reduced acquisition time.
Implementation Method 1
The excitation fiber probe may contain a bandpass filter, so that only the excitation light passed through the probe to the sample area
Implementation Method 2
The collection fiber probe may contain a longpass filter. The long pass filter is selected to block the excitation light, so that only sample emissions are collected
Implementation Method 3
Raman scattering is inelastic light scattering from a sample that may yield a molecular fingerprint of the constituent molecules
Data Source
AI summary
A microfluidic device comprising at least one microfluidic channel with an input and an output for allowing fluid flow; and at least one Raman fiber based probe having an excitation fiber probe and/or a collection fiber probe positioned so that one end of the probe is in the microfluidic channel.