Water-Dispersible Fluorescent Particles for Narrow Size Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods struggle to produce sub-micron sized, thermally and optically stable, colloidally stable, and brightly fluorescent nanoparticles with narrow size distribution and minimal aggregation, especially for use in multiplex assays like flow cytometry, which suffer from background fluorescence and spillover issues.
Innovation Solution
Development of water-dispersible fluorescent particles with a hydrophobic internal region comprising a mixture of fluorescent and non-fluorescent polymers, encapsulated by an amphiphilic polymer, allowing for precise control of optical properties and energy transfer, and packaged using flash nanoprecipitation methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional nanoparticle preparation methods are used, then nanoparticles can be produced, but they exhibit large size distribution (high polydispersity) and aggregation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the preparation parameters by using rapid mixing techniques and controlling the ratio of fluorescent polymer to amphiphilic molecule to achieve narrow size distribution (low polydispersity) and prevent aggregation, transforming the conventional slow formation process into a controlled rapid assembly process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates composite nanoparticles combining fluorescent polymer cores with amphiphilic molecule shells, where the composite structure provides both narrow size distribution through controlled self-assembly and colloidal stability through the amphiphilic shell that prevents aggregation
2Illumination intensity
If fluorescent nanoparticles are made brighter by increasing polymer concentration, then quantum efficiency improves, but aggregation and self-quenching increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an amphiphilic molecule shell (flexible thin film) surrounding the fluorescent polymer core, which allows high polymer concentration for brightness while the shell acts as a protective barrier preventing aggregation and self-quenching, maintaining optical stability
Solution Approach 2:
The amphiphilic molecule acts as an intermediary between the fluorescent polymer core and the aqueous environment, enabling high concentration of fluorescent material for brightness while mediating interactions to prevent aggregation and maintain optical properties
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing fluorescent particles are used in multiplex assays, then multiple targets can be detected, but background fluorescence and spillover problems occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating fluorescent particles with specific excitation and emission profiles tailored for multiplex assays, where each particle type has optimized optical properties that minimize overlap and background fluorescence while maintaining high brightness for detection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes color changes in the fluorescent emission spectrum, designing particles with distinct emission wavelengths that can be detected by multiple lasers in flow cytometry while minimizing spillover, enabling clear differentiation between multiple targets
4Measurement precision
If sub-micron sized particles are produced, then resolution in applications like flow cytometry improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs self-service by using self-assembly mechanisms where the fluorescent polymer and amphiphilic molecule automatically organize into sub-micron particles with controlled size and narrow distribution, eliminating the need for complex external processing equipment while achieving high detection resolution
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
The particles exhibit high quantum efficiency, photostability, minimal aggregation, and efficient energy transfer, reducing background fluorescence, making them suitable for advanced biological applications such as cell imaging and multiplex flow cytometry.
Implementation Method 1
an external region encapsulating the internal hydrophobic region, wherein the external region comprises an amphiphilic polymer
Implementation Method 2
the first hydrophobic polymer is fluorescent and has a first solubility parameter
Implementation Method 3
These types of experiments can use particles that include sets of fluorophores that are capable of energy transfer (e.g., FRET)
Data Source
AI summary
Water-soluble, fluorescent particles and compositions, kits, and methods of making and using such particles are disclosed. Processes for preparing fluorescent particles and for controlling the size, polydispersity and optical properties of such particles also are provided.