Hyperspectral Imaging Cytometry for Quantitative Tissue Mapping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for analyzing biological tissues, such as flow cytometry and microscopy, fail to provide quantitative and multiparametric data while preserving the tissue's native architecture, and hyperspectral imaging systems lack reproducibility and speed.

Innovation Solution

A hyperspectral quantitative imaging cytometry system that uses a radiation source, collection element, multichannel filtration, and image sensor to generate a two-dimensional map of a solid-phase sample, allowing for rapid analysis of marker expression and size with cellular resolution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If flow cytometry is used to obtain multiparametric information, then the number of simultaneous parameters analyzed increases, but spatial information is lost due to tissue disaggregation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemultiparametric analysis capabilityVSAvoidspatial information
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the detection process by using multiple detectors, each dedicated to detecting a specific marker at a specific wavelength. This allows simultaneous multiparametric analysis while maintaining spatial context, as each detector captures information from the same tissue location without requiring physical separation or disaggregation of cells.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Stability of the object's composition

If Laser Scanning Cytometry is used to preserve tissue architecture, then spatial information is maintained, but analysis speed becomes very slow due to pixel-by-pixel scanning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetissue architecture preservationVSAvoidanalysis speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses periodic action by employing multiple detectors that simultaneously capture different wavelength signals from the entire field of view at once, rather than sequentially scanning pixel by pixel. This parallel detection approach maintains tissue architecture while dramatically increasing analysis speed through simultaneous multiparametric measurement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Stability of the object's composition

If conventional microscopy is used to maintain architectural structure, then tissue structure is preserved, but quantitative and multiparametric analysis capability is lacking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvearchitectural structure preservationVSAvoidquantitative analysis capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies universality by integrating the architectural visualization capability of microscopy with the quantitative multiparametric analysis capability of flow cytometry. The system simultaneously performs morphological observation and precise quantitative measurement of multiple markers, making the system versatile for both structural and functional analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Area of stationary object

If hyperspectral imaging is used to provide visual information, then spatial mapping is achieved, but the system lacks reproducibility and speed for quantitative analysis

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespatial coverageVSAvoidreproducibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces the complex mechanical scanning system of traditional hyperspectral imaging with a stationary multi-detector configuration. This substitution eliminates mechanical movement-related variability, improving reproducibility while maintaining large spatial coverage through simultaneous detection of multiple wavelengths across the entire sample area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Provides rapid, quantitative data on marker expression and size with cellular resolution, preserving tissue architecture, and enables multiparametric analysis of large tissue areas.

Implementation Method 1

uses lasers to excite fluorescent molecules on the sample

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluorescence: Fluorescence

Implementation Method 2

a multichannel filtration element configured to selectively filter the wavelength of the radiation collected by the collection element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical filtration: Filter (optical)

Implementation Method 3

an image sensor configured to receive the filtered radiation and to generate an image that is a two-dimensional map of the sample

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3977091B1Hyperspectral quantitative imaging cytometry system
Publication Date: 2025.12.31 CYTOGNOS
  • EP3977091B1 patent drawingFigure 1-A
  • EP3977091B1 patent drawingFigure 1-B
  • EP3977091B1 patent drawingFigure 1-C

AI summary

The present invention relates to hyperspectral detection of luminescence and, in particular, to the detection of luminescence from solid phase samples which are stimulated with radiation sources.