Fluorescent Semiconductor Microparticle Assembly for Multi-Target Bioimaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluorescent markers, such as organic dyes and proteins, face challenges in simultaneous multi-analysis due to small Stokes shift, requiring multiple excitation light sources, leading to complexity and reduced discrimination accuracy in kinetic analysis of biological molecules.
Innovation Solution
A fluorescent semiconductor microparticle assembly comprising at least three kinds of microparticles with different sizes and emission wavelengths, but the same chemical composition, allowing for uniform emission intensity and simultaneous detection of multiple targets using a single excitation light source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If organic fluorescent dyes or fluorescent proteins are used as markers, then fluorescence detection is enabled, but Stokes shift is small requiring multiple excitation light sources leading to device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the fluorescent marker from organic dyes/proteins to semiconductor microparticles with quantum size effects. This parameter change enables large Stokes shift (difference between excitation and emission wavelengths) allowing single excitation light source to excite multiple markers with different emission wavelengths, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining fluorescence detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The semiconductor microparticle markers are designed to be universally excitable by a single light source while emitting at different wavelengths. This multi-functionality allows one excitation source to serve multiple detection purposes simultaneously, eliminating the need for multiple excitation sources and filters
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple excitation light sources are used for simultaneous multi-analysis, then multiple targets can be detected, but fluorescence noise increases and discrimination accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By changing from organic fluorescent markers to semiconductor microparticles with quantum confinement effects, the emission wavelength can be precisely controlled by particle size while maintaining large Stokes shift. This enables clear spectral separation between different markers excited by the same light source, improving discrimination accuracy in simultaneous multi-analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the quantum size effect, which normally causes emission wavelength variation, into a beneficial feature by precisely controlling particle size to achieve desired emission wavelengths with large Stokes shift. This transforms potential emission instability into a tool for achieving clear spectral separation and reduced fluorescence noise
3Manufacturing precision
If semiconductor quantum size particles are manufactured with high accuracy for multi-analysis, then different emission wavelengths can be achieved, but manufacturing difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes a systematic approach to control particle size (a key parameter) during semiconductor microparticle synthesis to achieve desired emission wavelengths. By defining specific particle size ranges corresponding to specific emission wavelengths, the manufacturing process becomes more controllable and less difficult
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
Enables high-accuracy dynamic imaging and sensitive multi-flow cytometry by simplifying the detection process and improving discrimination accuracy in biological substance analysis.
Implementation Method 1
a fluorescent semiconductor microparticle assembly comprising at least three kinds of fluorescent semiconductor microparticles with a particle size of from 1 to 10 nm, having the same chemical composition, a different particle size and a different wavelength of emission maximum in the emission spectra
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a fluorescent semiconductor microparticle assembly comprising at least three kinds of fluorescent semiconductor microparticles with an average particle size of from 1 to 10 nm, having the same chemical composition, a different average particle size and a different emission maximum wavelength in the emission spectra, wherein a standard deviation of emission intensity in each of the at least three kinds of fluorescent semiconductor microparticles is not more than 15%.