Flow Cytometry Imaging Zones for High Event Rates and Photon Count
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flow cytometry systems face challenges in achieving high-resolution imaging of cells at high speeds due to short interrogation times, which limit photon collection and increase coincidence events, making it difficult to collect sufficient photons for detection and process high spatial resolution images.
Innovation Solution
The system employs multiple optical trains and flow channel modifications to create separate particle interrogation zones with varying velocities, allowing for increased photon collection and reduced blur by altering the flow channel's cross-section, introducing or removing sheath fluid, using flowrate modulators, or applying field modules to adjust particle velocity, thereby enhancing imaging capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If ultra-short interrogation times are used to achieve high analysis rates, then coincidence rate is reduced, but photon collection for high resolution imaging becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the flow channel into multiple interrogation zones with different velocities. A first interrogation zone maintains ultra-short interrogation time for high analysis rates and low coincidence, while a second interrogation zone provides extended interrogation time for sufficient photon collection in high-resolution imaging. This segmentation allows both high productivity and adequate photon count to be achieved in different regions of the same system.
2Measurement precision
If larger interrogation times are used to increase photon counts for imaging, then imaging quality improves, but event rate is greatly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the flow channel are assigned different interrogation times based on local requirements. The first interrogation zone uses ultra-short interrogation time optimized for high event rates, while the second interrogation zone uses extended interrogation time optimized for high-resolution imaging. This local quality approach ensures that each region operates at its optimal performance point without compromising overall system productivity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple optical trains and flow channel modifications are implemented to create separate interrogation zones, then both high-resolution imaging and high-speed data collection are enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow cytometry system is designed with multiple optical trains and flow channel modifications that enable it to perform both high-resolution imaging and high-speed data collection functions within a single integrated platform. The first and second interrogation zones, along with their respective optical trains, allow the system to simultaneously support conventional flow cytometry analysis and high-resolution imaging applications, making the device universally applicable to multiple analytical needs.
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
This approach enables high-resolution imaging of cells at high speeds by increasing photon counts and reducing coincidence events, allowing for efficient data collection and processing of both conventional flow cytometry data and high-resolution images simultaneously.
Implementation Method 1
the flow channel defining a flow path for fluid communicated therethrough
Implementation Method 2
introducing or removing sheath fluid
Implementation Method 3
a first optical train comprising a first illumination source and a first detection module
Implementation Method 4
the first detection module being disposed so as to receive a signal related to illumination of a first region of the flow channel by the first illumination source
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides apparatuses, systems, and methods for performing particle analysis through flow cytometry at comparatively high event rates and for gathering high resolution images of particles.