Fluorescence Fluctuation Spectroscopy Linear Regression Analysis

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current fluorescence fluctuation spectroscopy methods, such as FIDA and PCH, face challenges in intuitively predicting photon counting histograms, are non-intuitive, and struggle with complex applications due to non-linear models and assumptions that violate triplet state populations and molecular diffusion, limiting their ability to accurately determine molecular concentrations and brightness.

Innovation Solution

The method introduces the concept of effective volume and single particle distribution, characterized by Veff and P1(n), which provides a robust and intuitive approach to determine molecular concentrations, independent of spatial boundaries and diffusion, allowing for the characterization of molecules in various environments and conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If FIDA or PCH methods are used to determine molecular concentrations, then measurement can be performed, but the models are highly non-linear and the determination of parameters is complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemolecular concentration determinationVSAvoidmodel complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the highly non-linear parameter determination problem into a linear regression problem by changing the mathematical representation. Instead of directly fitting non-linear parameters, the method uses a linear combination of basis functions that can be solved through standard linear regression techniques, dramatically simplifying the computational complexity while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary mathematical framework that bridges the gap between the raw photon counting data and the molecular concentration parameters. By using a linear basis function expansion as an intermediary step, the complex non-linear relationship is decomposed into manageable linear components that can be systematically solved.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If standard FFS methods are used, then photon counting distribution can be analyzed, but the spatial brightness function assumption violates triplet state populations for different species

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephoton counting distribution analysisVSAvoidtriplet state population assumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the spatial brightness function into multiple independent basis functions rather than assuming a single unified spatial distribution. This segmentation allows each species to have its own effective spatial profile, accommodating different triplet state populations and relaxation dynamics without requiring them to share a common spatial brightness function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic flexibility by allowing the spatial brightness function to vary independently for different molecular species. Instead of a static assumption that all species share the same spatial profile, the method dynamically adapts the spatial characteristics to match the specific photophysical properties of each species, including their unique triplet state behaviors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If FIDA is used for high throughput screening, then analysis speed is improved, but the generating function approach makes the theoretical model not intuitive and extension to complex applications difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehigh throughput screening capabilityVSAvoidmodel intuitiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a linear basis function expansion that copies and combines simple, well-understood spatial profiles to construct the overall brightness distribution. This approach replaces the abstract generating function mathematics with a more intuitive linear combination of familiar spatial patterns, making the model both computationally efficient and conceptually accessible.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

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 fast and precise determination of molecular concentrations, is robust against noise and diffusion, and can be applied to complex environments like flows and micro-structures, providing a more profound physical insight and improved accuracy compared to existing methods.

Implementation Method 1

molecules of interest and ignore any background noise produced e.g. by the detector hardware or scattered light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluorescence emission: Fluorescence

Implementation Method 2

Photons emitted from molecules in a small observation volume V hit a detector for photons

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhoton emission: Light

Data Source

PatentEP2097736B1A method of determining characteristic properties of a sample containing particles
Publication Date: 2014.02.12 FRAUNHOFER GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FORDERUNG DER ANGEWANDTEN FORSCHUNG EV
  • EP2097736B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2097736B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2097736B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A method of determining characteristic properties of a sample containing particles of single species which emit, scatter and/or reflect photons in an predetermined observation volume including the steps of : 1) registering and counting the number n i