Compact Flow Cytometer Using Frequency-Modulated Excitation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current flow cytometry techniques are not suitable for point-of-care (POC) testing due to their complexity and inability to efficiently analyze samples using larger excitation regions, leading to limitations in detecting and characterizing particles with high spatial resolution and tolerance to background fluorescence.
Innovation Solution
The development of sample analysis devices that utilize multiple light sources with different wavelengths and modulation frequencies to excite specific particle types, combined with spatial filtering, allowing for the detection of particles with high spatial resolution and the ability to distinguish between different particle types based on their emission spectra.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional flow cytometry techniques are used, then particle detection can be performed, but the device complexity is high and it is not suitable for point-of-care testing
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into distinct functional modules: a flow cell with integrated microfluidic channels for sample introduction, multiple independent light sources positioned at different locations, and a detector system. This modular segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while reducing overall system complexity for point-of-care deployment
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple light sources emitting at different wavelengths are combined to illuminate the same excitation region in the flow channel simultaneously. This merging of excitation sources enables multi-wavelength excitation of different particle types within a single compact device, eliminating the need for complex sequential scanning systems
2Measurement precision
If conventional flow cytometry with smaller excitation regions is used, then particle detection is possible, but spatial resolution and tolerance to background fluorescence are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The flow channel is designed with a specifically engineered excitation region that has optimized optical properties. This local region features controlled geometry and material composition to maximize light-matter interaction while minimizing background fluorescence, providing high spatial resolution without requiring complex device-wide modifications
Solution Approach 2:
A spatial filter is introduced as an intermediary component between the light sources and the detector. This filter selectively transmits light at specific wavelengths while blocking background fluorescence, thereby enhancing measurement precision and spatial resolution without adding mechanical complexity to the excitation region configuration
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light sources with different wavelengths are used to excite different particle types, then particle differentiation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple light sources are configured to illuminate a common excitation region in the flow channel, allowing a single detector to collect emission signals from multiple particle types simultaneously. This multi-functional arrangement enables the device to detect and differentiate various particle types without requiring separate detection pathways for each wavelength
Solution Approach 2:
The light sources are modulated at different frequencies to enable continuous excitation of different particle types throughout the flow channel. This continuous modulation allows the single detector to distinguish between particle types based on frequency-encoded signals, maintaining high adaptability while simplifying the detection architecture
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 efficient and accurate analysis of particles with high spatial resolution, tolerance to background fluorescence, and the ability to differentiate between multiple particle types, making it suitable for compact, robust POC testing devices.
Implementation Method 1
The first excitation light stimulates a first light emission from particles of a first particle type that may be present in the sample
Implementation Method 2
the second excitation light stimulates a second light emission from particles of a second particle type that may likewise be present in the sample
Implementation Method 3
A detector may receive the first and second light emission from the corresponding particles present in the sample in a detection portion of the flow channel, the detector providing an output based on the received light emission
Data Source
AI summary
A compact analyzer includes a flow cell having a flow channel through which a sample is made to pass. First and second light sources are arranged to emit first and second excitation light into first and second overlapping portions of the flow channel, respectively. The first excitation light stimulates a first light emission from particles of a first particle type that may be present in the sample; the second excitation light stimulates a second light emission from particles of a second particle type. A detector receives the first and second light emission from the corresponding particles present in the sample in a detection portion of the flow channel, and provides a detector output based on the received light emission. The light sources are modulated at different frequencies so that a frequency analysis of the detector output can provide separate information about the first and second particle types.