In-Vivo Sensing Device Optical Isolation for Pathology Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting in-vivo markers indicating pathology face challenges in sensing optical changes due to low marker concentration and high background noise, making it difficult to achieve a high signal-to-noise ratio, especially when markers are excreted from cells.
Innovation Solution
A device and method involving a reacting layer with attached binding agents, allowing continuous flow of in-vivo fluids, and an optical system with illumination and sensor configuration to detect optical changes such as fluorescence or FRET, which includes a swallowable capsule design with an opaque cover to isolate the reacting layer and enhance signal detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional optical detection methods are used to detect in-vivo markers, then the detection process is simple, but the signal-to-noise ratio is low due to high background noise and low marker concentration
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the detection system into distinct functional zones: an illumination zone that directs light at oblique angles, a reacting layer zone where binding occurs, and a detection zone positioned to capture reflected light. This spatial segmentation allows the sensor to detect optical changes from marker-binding events while excluding background noise from other directions.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor is positioned to detect light only from specific local areas of the reacting layer where binding agents are attached. By optimizing the detection angle and position, the system enhances sensitivity to local optical changes caused by marker binding while minimizing detection of background noise from surrounding areas.
2Measurement precision
If the exposure time of markers to binding agents is increased to improve detection sensitivity, then the signal-to-noise ratio improves, but the device complexity increases due to flow control requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The device utilizes the body's own physiological fluid flow (blood flow, interstitial fluid movement) to transport markers through the reacting layer. The oblique illumination geometry and sensor positioning are designed to work passively with this natural flow, eliminating the need for active pumping or complex flow control mechanisms while still achieving prolonged exposure times.
Solution Approach 2:
The reacting layer is positioned and oriented to create an equipotential flow path where markers naturally traverse the detection zone without requiring pressure gradients or active flow drivers. The oblique illumination and sensor arrangement ensure that markers remain in the detection field throughout their passive transit.
3Measurement precision
If an opaque cover is added to isolate the reacting layer and enhance signal detection, then the signal-to-noise ratio improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device extracts and isolates only the necessary optical path components: illumination sources positioned at oblique angles and sensors positioned to detect reflected light from the reacting layer. An opaque cover or light-tight enclosure is implemented only where critical to prevent stray light contamination, rather than enclosing the entire device, thus minimizing added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical isolation is achieved using thin opaque films or flexible light-tight enclosures that conform to the device structure. These thin films provide sufficient optical isolation to enhance signal detection while adding minimal structural complexity and maintaining device flexibility.
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 solution enables effective detection of in-vivo markers with improved signal-to-noise ratio, allowing for early pathology detection by ensuring prolonged exposure of markers to binding agents and minimizing background interference.
Implementation Method 1
detecting fluorescence at a given bandwidth, emitted from a binding agent bound to a marker in-vivo
Implementation Method 2
Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). In FRET, a molecule in its excited state can transfer energy to a second molecule proximate to it, to excite the second molecule as well
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, systems and methods for detecting in vivo pathology are provided. An in vivo sensing device comprises a reacting layer with at least one type of binding agent attached thereon, a sensor configured for sensing an optical change occurring on the reacting substrate, and at least one illumination source. In-vivo fluids are in constant contact with the reacting substrate so that in vivo marker indicating pathology may bind to the binding agent attached onto the reacting layer and may be viewed by the sensor.