Fluorescent pH Detector for Sealed Blood Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring pH, particularly in blood and blood products, face challenges in accuracy and sensitivity, especially when the samples are sealed, due to interference from storage conditions and metabolic activities of components like platelets, which can lead to rapid pH changes.
Innovation Solution
A fluorescent pH detector system that uses ratiometric fluorescent species, such as seminaphthofluorescein compounds immobilized on substrates like human serum albumin, which are excited by light and emit at different wavelengths depending on pH, allowing for precise measurement through the ratio of emission intensities, even in sealed vessels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If visual pH indicators like phenolphthalein are used, then the system is simple and easy to use, but the measurement precision is poor and color changes are difficult to distinguish accurately
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs fluorescent indicators that undergo wavelength shifts in response to pH changes, transitioning from one emission wavelength to another. This fluorescent color change mechanism provides superior measurement precision compared to traditional visual indicators, while maintaining operational simplicity through automated detection systems that measure the wavelength ratio to determine pH values.
2Measurement precision
If fluorescent indicators are used to improve sensitivity, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases due to the need for light sources and detectors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dual-wavelength fluorescent measurement system where a single fluorescent indicator performs multiple functions: it serves as both the pH-sensitive sensing element and the basis for ratiometric measurement. The system uses one light source and one detector to measure emissions at two different wavelengths, eliminating the need for separate sensing elements and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If pH measurement is performed in sealed vessels, then the system is suitable for blood storage monitoring, but interference from storage conditions and metabolic activities reduces measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a fluorescent indicator as an intermediary substance that is introduced into sealed blood storage vessels. This indicator serves as a mediator between the pH changes caused by storage conditions and the measurement system. The fluorescent indicator responds to pH changes through wavelength shifts, enabling accurate pH measurement in sealed vessels despite interference from storage conditions and metabolic activities, as the ratiometric measurement ratio compensates for such interferences.
4Measurement precision
If ratiometric fluorescent measurement is used, then measurement precision improves, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring increases due to the need to measure emission intensities at multiple wavelengths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a self-service measurement approach where the fluorescent indicator itself provides the measurement signal through its intrinsic fluorescent emission. The indicator's emission intensities at two different wavelengths automatically reflect the pH value, eliminating the need for external calibration standards or complex measurement procedures. The ratiometric measurement of emission intensities directly yields the pH value, simplifying the detection and measurement process while maintaining high precision.
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 system provides accurate and sensitive pH measurement in blood and blood products, maintaining precision even when samples are stored in sealed containers, by isolating the excitation light and emission through transparent windows and using optical fibers, thus overcoming interference and ensuring reliable data.
Implementation Method 1
irradiating a fluorescent species immobilized on a substrate with excitation light emanating from a probe physically isolated from the fluorescent species immobilized on the substrate, wherein the fluorescent species immobilized on the substrate is in liquid communication with a sample, wherein the excitation light has a wavelength sufficient to effect fluorescent emission from the fluorescent species
Data Source
AI summary
Fluorescent pH detector and methods for measuring pH using the fluorescent pH detector.