Macromolecule Synthesis Using Homogeneous UV Illumination Optics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nucleotide sequencing techniques face challenges in efficiently synthesizing specialized surrogate macromolecules, such as Xpandomers, which are crucial for accurate nucleotide sequencing, due to non-homogeneous UV radiation application and inefficiencies in UV light utilization.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing an illumination optics assembly to guide UV radiation uniformly onto a receptacle, enhancing spatial homogeneity and increasing UV light utilization, thereby improving the synthesis of macromolecules like Xpandomers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If UV LEDs are arranged in a pattern on a surface in close proximity to the receptacle and moved over the receptacle to directly illuminate it, then the system can be simpler without complex optics, but the illumination uniformity becomes sub-ideal with lower intensity at edges and inhomogeneities from panning movement
Solution Approach 1:
An illumination optics assembly is introduced as an intermediary component between the UV radiation source and the receptacle. This assembly includes optical elements (lenses, mirrors, or light guides) that redistribute and homogenize the UV radiation across the receptacle surface, eliminating the direct illumination approach while maintaining system simplicity through integrated optical design
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination system changes the spatial distribution parameters of UV radiation by using optical elements with specific geometries (e.g., diffusers, homogenizing lenses) that transform the non-uniform radiation pattern from direct LED illumination into a homogeneous distribution across the entire receptacle surface
2Device complexity
If UV LEDs are moved over the receptacle to directly illuminate it, then the system structure can be simpler, but light wastage increases as considerable amount of light is lost and not arriving at the sample
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical panning movement system is replaced with a stationary illumination optics assembly that uses optical principles (refraction, reflection, total internal reflection) to redirect and concentrate UV light onto the receptacle, eliminating the need for moving parts while improving light delivery efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination optics assembly acts as an intermediary that captures and redirects UV radiation that would otherwise be wasted, using optical elements to guide light from the LED source through a controlled path to the receptacle, thereby reducing light loss without requiring complex mechanical positioning systems
3Device complexity
If UV LEDs are arranged in a pattern on a surface and moved over the receptacle, then the system can avoid complex optics, but panning movement causes inhomogeneities in illumination
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination optics assembly serves as a stable intermediary that establishes a fixed, controlled optical path from the UV source to the receptacle. This eliminates the variability introduced by panning movement while maintaining system simplicity through integrated optical design without requiring complex active control mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the illumination parameters by using optical elements with specific geometric configurations (e.g., angled facets, diffuser patterns) that ensure uniform light distribution across the receptacle surface, eliminating the inhomogeneities caused by mechanical movement while keeping the overall system design simple
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 system ensures more homogeneous UV radiation application, reducing light wastage and eliminating moving parts, leading to improved efficiency and accuracy in synthesizing macromolecules for nucleotide sequencing.
Implementation Method 1
a UV radiation source configured to emit UV radiation... to cleave macromolecules in the at least one receptacle
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
An aspect of the present disclosure relates to a system for synthesizing a macromolecule from a sample. The system comprises a mount configured to receive at least one receptacle. The at least one receptacle is configured to receive a sample. The system further comprises a UV radiation source configured to emit UV radiation, an illumination optics assembly configured to guide the UV radiation to the at least one receptacle and a controller configured to control the operation of the UV radiation source to cleave macromolecules in the at least one receptacle in a process of synthesizing the macromolecule from a sample.