Hydrodynamic Flow Particle Force Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring forces on particles in fluids, such as optical tweezers, are limited by refractive index constraints and can be invasive, making them unsuitable for biological systems and complex materials.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus using dynamic localized heating to generate inhomogeneous hydrodynamic flows, allowing for non-contact spatial manipulation and force measurement of particles within fluids, independent of particle type and fluid properties, using standard optical microscopes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical tweezers are used to measure forces on particles, then measurement precision is improved, but the method becomes invasive and limited by refractive index constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces direct optical mechanical trapping (optical tweezers) with a hydrodynamic flow-based measurement system. Forces on particles are measured by observing particle displacement in controlled hydrodynamic flows rather than direct optical manipulation, eliminating refractive index constraints and reducing invasiveness while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces hydrodynamic flows as an intermediary medium between the measurement system and the particle. Instead of direct optical interaction, the system uses fluid flow fields to probe particle position and infer forces, acting as a non-invasive mediator that works independently of particle optical properties
2Measurement precision
If optical tweezers are used for force measurement, then measurement capability is achieved, but applicability to biological systems is reduced due to invasive effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes optical mechanical trapping with hydrodynamic flow-based probing, replacing a system with known biological invasiveness (optical tweezers) with one that uses gentle fluid flows, thereby expanding adaptability to live biological samples while preserving force measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental measurement parameter from optical trapping force to hydrodynamic flow velocity and particle displacement. This parameter transformation enables measurement in biological systems by using flow fields that can be precisely controlled to minimize thermal and mechanical stress on living samples
3Adaptability or versatility
If material constraints are reduced for broader sample applicability, then adaptability is improved, but measurement sensitivity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal measurement platform using hydrodynamic flows that works with diverse particle types (colloids, cells, organelles) without requiring material-specific optical properties. The system achieves this universality while maintaining sensitivity through precise control of flow fields and advanced particle tracking algorithms
Solution Approach 2:
By replacing optical trapping with hydrodynamic probing, the system removes material constraints related to refractive index and optical absorption while maintaining measurement sensitivity through precise flow control and displacement measurement, enabling broad sample applicability from synthetic colloids to living cells
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 highly sensitive, non-invasive force measurements in the femtonewton range with low material constraints, suitable for a wide range of samples, including biological systems, without the need for direct laser interaction.
Implementation Method 1
Thermoviscous flows have been described as the directed motion of aqueous media in response to travelling temperature fields, an emergent physical phenomenon driven by the thermal expansion of fluids in non-homogenous viscosity fields
Implementation Method 2
a device for capturing at least parts of a spatial configuration of the particle(s) within the receptacle
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns a method for measuring a force on at least one particle in a fluid wherein an inhomogeneous field of hydrodynamic flows is generated in a fluid by specific dynamic localized heating events, the particle is spatially manipulated by the hydrodynamic flows, a spatial configuration of the particle(s) within the fluid is captured and at least one force acting on the particle(s) is determined by evaluating the captured spatial configuration of the particle(s). The invention concerns furthermore an apparatus for measuring a force on at least one particle in a fluid, a computer program product, and a computer-readable storage medium.