Hyperspectral Microplastic Screening Using Fluorescent Line Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for detecting microplastic particles are bulky, slow, expensive, and lack hardware/software compatibility, making them unsuitable for small-scale applications, and fail to achieve fast screening, high spatial resolution, and accurate identification of different plastic types.
Innovation Solution
A method using fluorescent tagging and line-scan visible range hyperspectral imaging, combined with a solvatochromic and emission spectrum feature, for fast screening and classification of microplastic particles at high spatial resolution and low cost, employing a portable hyperspectral imaging device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional spectrometer or hyperspectral camera systems are assembled with microscopes, then microplastic detection capability is achieved, but the system becomes bulky, slow, and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the spectrometer and microscope into a single integrated device where the microscope objective lens directly couples with the spectrometer entrance. This integration eliminates the need for separate components and complex alignment mechanisms, resolving the contradiction by achieving microplastic detection capability while reducing system bulkiness.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device serves multiple functions: it acts as both a microscope for visualizing microplastics and a spectrometer for identifying their material composition. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve comprehensive microplastic detection capability without requiring separate specialized equipment, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
2Measurement precision
If conventional spectrometer or hyperspectral camera systems are assembled with microscopes, then microplastic detection capability is achieved, but the system becomes slow and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The direct coupling of the microscope objective with the spectrometer entrance enables efficient light transmission and rapid data acquisition. This merged design eliminates intermediate optical components and alignment requirements that slow down conventional systems, thereby improving screening speed while maintaining microplastic detection capability.
3Measurement precision
If conventional detection methods are used, then microplastic particles can be detected, but hardware/software compatibility issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated device provides a unified hardware-software platform that combines microscopy and spectroscopy capabilities with dedicated control software. This universal design ensures seamless hardware/software compatibility while maintaining microplastic detection capability, eliminating the compatibility issues that arise from assembling separate commercial-grade components.
4Productivity
If fluorescent tagging is used with hyperspectral imaging, then fast screening at high spatial resolution is achieved, but the system must be portable and low-cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the fluorescent tagging capability with the hyperspectral imaging system in an integrated, portable device. The direct coupling of optical components enables fast screening at high spatial resolution while keeping the system compact and cost-effective, resolving the contradiction between enhanced productivity and reduced device complexity.
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 efficient, cost-effective identification and classification of microplastic particles with high spatial resolution, suitable for small-scale applications such as food and water inspection, distinguishing between different plastic types.
Implementation Method 1
a method of screening a sample of microplastic particles which have been stained using a fluorescent dye
Implementation Method 2
line scanning the stained sample of microplastic particles using a line laser
Data Source
AI summary
A method of screening a sample of microplastic particles which have been stained using a fluorescent dye. The method comprises line scanning the stained sample of microplastic particles using a line laser, and collecting an emission signal from the sample of microplastic particles using a visible light range hyperspectral imaging device such as a camera. The collected emission signal is analyzed to determine any one or more of: size, distribution, and plastics material types of the microplastic particles in the sample.