Flexible Capillary Fiber-Optic Probe for In-Situ Tissue Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current diagnostic solutions for detecting biologically active molecules in tissues, especially solid tissues, are not minimally invasive and require sampling, fixation, and processing, and existing technologies often need fluorescent markers or significant sample volumes, limiting their ability to reflect actual tissue conditions.
Innovation Solution
A flexible capillary-based fibre-optic probe with an optical fibre freely placed inside, where one end is closed by a light-permeable material, allowing for in-situ measurements without markers or prior tissue preparation, and providing mechanical protection against damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sampling, fixation and processing are used for tissue analysis, then measurement accuracy is improved, but patient safety and invasiveness are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the sensing function from complex tissue processing and performs detection directly in situ within the tissue using an optical fibre probe, eliminating the need to remove and process tissue samples while maintaining measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The optical fibre acts as an intermediary that enables direct optical measurement within the tissue, transferring light signals between the external light source/detector and the internal measurement site without requiring tissue extraction or complex processing
2Measurement precision
If fluorescent markers are used for detection, then detection sensitivity is improved, but device complexity and sample preparation are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The tissue itself serves as the measurement medium without requiring external fluorescent markers or chemical tags, eliminating the need for complex sample preparation and marker application procedures while maintaining detection capability through direct optical property measurement
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the detection capability from marker-dependent methods and implements marker-free detection by measuring intrinsic optical properties of the tissue and biologically active molecules directly
3Measurement precision
If significant sample volumes are used for analysis, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and invasiveness are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the measurement function from bulk tissue analysis and performs it directly in situ within the tissue matrix, enabling accurate detection of biologically active molecules without requiring extraction and analysis of large tissue volumes
Solution Approach 2:
The optical fibre probe serves as an intermediary that concentrates the measurement interaction at a specific location within the tissue, enabling accurate local measurements without requiring large sample volumes to be processed
4Measurement precision
If the optical fibre sensor is directly placed in tissue, then measurement accuracy is improved, but mechanical protection and safety are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a flexible protective sheath or coating around the optical fibre sensor that provides mechanical protection while allowing the fibre to maintain flexibility for safe insertion and movement within tissue, preventing damage to both the sensor and surrounding tissue
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 safe, minimally invasive, and accurate detection of biologically active molecules directly in tissues with reduced sample requirements, protecting the sensor from mechanical damage and maintaining measurement integrity.
Implementation Method 1
an optical fibre which is freely placed inside it
Implementation Method 2
allowing for in-situ measurements without markers or prior tissue preparation
Implementation Method 3
one end is closed by a light-permeable material
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The subject of invention is the use of a flexible capillary for the sensor detecting biologically active molecules, characterized in that the capillary (1) is a structural element of the fibre-optic probe and the optical fibre is freely placed inside it (2).