Handheld Fluorescence Detector for Rapid Protein Identification
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current protein detection systems for unidentified substances are time-consuming, resource-intensive, and require specialized training, often failing to accurately identify hazardous proteins at the scene of a spill.
Innovation Solution
A hand-held detection system that uses a light emitting source, a circuit board, and a detector with a lock-in detection system to analyze fluorescence from unidentified substances, providing rapid and accurate spectral and chemical identification without the need for trained personnel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If standard protein tests using reagents are performed, then protein identification can be made, but the process is time-consuming (up to 5 minutes) and requires specialized training
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical reagent-based detection system with an optical detection system using fluorescence spectroscopy. The hand-held device directs light at the substance and detects fluorescence signals, eliminating the need for chemical reagents and the associated time-consuming procedures while maintaining identification accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a portable copy of laboratory-grade fluorescence detection capability in a hand-held device. This allows field personnel to perform accurate protein identification without needing to transport samples to laboratories or use complex reagent-based methods
2Loss of information
If HAZMAT team performs secondary tests, then additional details about the substance can be obtained, but the process is expensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The hand-held fluorescence detector performs preliminary identification of proteins and hazardous substances at the scene before HAZMAT teams arrive. This preliminary action provides immediate information about the substance, allowing HAZMAT teams to focus their efforts more efficiently and reducing overall response time while maintaining complete substance characterization
3Measurement precision
If reagents are used for substance identification, then detection can be performed, but the system requires specially trained individuals to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The fluorescence detection system is designed to be self-explanatory and automated in its operation. The device automatically directs light, detects fluorescence, and identifies substances without requiring the operator to manually add reagents or interpret complex chemical reactions. This self-service capability eliminates the need for specialized training while maintaining accurate substance identification
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the complex chemical reagent system with a simpler optical system that requires no chemical knowledge to operate. The automated fluorescence detection and spectral analysis provide substance identification through intuitive visual or digital output, making the system easy to operate by personnel without specialized chemical training
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 fast, accurate identification of proteins at the scene of a spill, reducing the need for costly and time-consuming secondary tests and minimizing resource waste by providing immediate spectral and chemical identification of substances.
Implementation Method 1
fluorescence generated from an unknown unidentified substance that is illuminated by light from the light emitting source
Implementation Method 2
the detector comprises a lock-in detection system
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a detection system for identifying an unidentified substance in a sample, comprising light emitting sources, where at least one of the light emitting sources emits light in the infrared region; a circuit board; a trigger, that activates a pulse of electrons from the circuit board to the light emitting sources; a detector; and a central processing unit, where fluorescence generated from the unknown unidentified substance that is illuminated by light from the light emitting sources is collected in the detector and analyzed in the central processing unit.