Bleachable Fluorescence Emitter for UVC Dose Measurement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for quantifying the dose of UVC light delivered to low optical transmission fluids, such as cell culture media, are inaccurate due to limitations in biodosimetry and mathematical modeling, particularly for low transmission solutions, which are critical for biopharmaceutical and food beverage industries to ensure viral inactivation.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of a bleachable fluorescence emitter to measure the fluence rate of UVC light, generating a standard curve by exposing the emitter to UVC light in a control mixture, and then applying this curve to a test mixture to determine the UVC dose delivered, allowing for precise measurement of UVC light distribution in low optical transmission fluids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If biodosimetry method is used to quantify UVC dose, then viral inactivation can be achieved, but measurement precision is poor and threshold results are produced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a fluorescent probe as an intermediary substance that mediates between the UVC radiation and the measurement system. The probe absorbs UVC energy and converts it to measurable fluorescence, providing a direct physical measurement of dose without relying on biological threshold responses. This resolves the contradiction by enabling precise dose measurement while maintaining viral inactivation effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the biological measurement system (biodosimetry) with a physical/optical measurement system (fluorescence detection). Instead of using biological organisms to indicate dose through survival/threshold responses, the system uses fluorescent probes that provide continuous, quantitative measurement of UVC energy absorption, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining reliability.
2Loss of information
If mathematical modeling is used to estimate UVC dose, then dose distribution can be described, but measurement precision deteriorates for low transmission fluids
Solution Approach 1:
The fluorescent probe acts as a direct intermediary that measures actual UVC dose in the fluid, replacing mathematical models that rely on assumptions about light transmission and absorption. The probe provides empirical data on dose distribution without requiring theoretical calculations, thereby improving precision for low transmission fluids where models fail.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from indirect mathematical estimation to direct optical measurement using fluorescent probes. By measuring fluorescence intensity (a direct physical parameter) rather than calculating dose from fluid properties and geometry, the system achieves accurate dose distribution information for low transmission fluids without model inaccuracies.
3Measurement precision
If biodosimetry is performed at scale, then average fluency can be determined, but biological contaminants are introduced into the treatment environment
Solution Approach 1:
The fluorescent probe serves as a non-biological intermediary that measures UVC dose without introducing biological contaminants. Unlike biodosimetry which requires spiking the system with challenge organisms, the probe provides chemical/physical measurement that maintains the sterile, contamination-free environment required in biopharmaceutical and food beverage processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluorescent probe is a simple, non-biological, disposable measurement tool that can be introduced temporarily for calibration and validation without creating contamination risks. Unlike living biological challenge organisms, the probe does not reproduce or persist in the system, eliminating contamination concerns while providing necessary measurement capability.
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 method provides accurate and reliable quantification of UVC light doses in low optical transmission fluids, ensuring effective viral inactivation and minimizing disruption to the sample, thereby enhancing the reliability of UVC treatment processes.
Implementation Method 1
measuring the fluorescence emitted by the test mixture
Implementation Method 2
A method involving the use of a bleachable fluorescence emitter to measure the fluence rate of UVC light
Data Source
AI summary
Methods of determining the dose of UVC light delivered to a sample comprising a low optical transmission complex fluid are provided. Also provided are methods of inactivation of an organism, such as a spore, a bacteria or a virus, in a sample comprising dose of UVC light delivered to a sample comprising a low optical transmission complex fluid.