Lensless Microinjection Control via Linear Array Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microinjection systems lack the capability for accurate real-time detection and control of liquid level changes in glass capillary needles, leading to significant errors in injection volume and uniformity, especially when dealing with macromolecular agents, which restricts the development of large-scale, high-throughput life science experiments.
Innovation Solution
A lensless imaging-based ultra-microinjection detection and control device that uses a micro linear array image sensor chip, a light filtering film, and a parallel light source to measure liquid level changes in the needle without a lens, allowing for real-time feedback to adjust injection pressure and stabilize the liquid level.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a traditional microscope is used to observe liquid level changes in the glass needle, then the observation can be performed, but the system volume becomes too large and cannot be integrated into the micromanipulation system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the lens component from the traditional imaging system, using only the sensor chip and light source to directly image the liquid level. This removes the bulky lens system while retaining the essential imaging function, solving the volume contradiction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical lens-based optical system with a direct lensless imaging approach using a linear array sensor chip. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical lens assemblies while achieving the same measurement objective.
2Ease of operation
If injection parameters are adjusted by experience before experiments, then the system operation is simple, but the injection volume has large errors due to changes in capillary force, liquid level, and external environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time feedback by continuously monitoring the liquid level position in the glass needle and using this information to dynamically adjust injection parameters. This closed-loop control maintains injection accuracy despite changes in capillary force, liquid level, or external environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary detection of the liquid level position before injection and uses this information to pre-adjust injection parameters. This proactive approach ensures accurate injection volume from the start rather than relying on post-hoc corrections.
3Measurement precision
If a lens-based imaging system is used to ensure clarity, then the imaging quality is good, but the distance requirements between object, lens, and sensor chip make the system too large for micromanipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the lens component entirely from the imaging system, using direct lensless imaging onto the sensor chip. This extraction eliminates the need for maintaining specific object-lens-sensor distances, dramatically reducing the system length while preserving imaging functionality.
4Area of stationary object
If the field of view of the microscope is expanded to observe liquid level changes, then the observation range increases, but the focal length becomes too long for practical integration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional microscope optical system with a lensless direct imaging approach using a linear array sensor chip. This substitution achieves the required field of view for observing liquid level changes without the need for long focal lengths, enabling practical integration into the micromanipulation 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
This solution enables high-precision measurement and control of liquid levels, achieving a theoretical minimum resolution of 3.4 pL, is compact, resistant to external interference, and cost-effective, while avoiding the generation of 'dead zones, thus improving the accuracy and reliability of microinjection processes.
Implementation Method 1
the light generated by the parallel light source passes through the glass needle to enter the micro linear array image sensor chip, so that a virtual image of the liquid level in the glass needle is formed on the chip
Implementation Method 2
The transmitted light passes through the light filtering film to reduce the intensity of the parallel light source to a photosensitivity range of the micro linear array image sensor chip
Implementation Method 3
the micro linear array image sensor chip measures the change of the liquid level in the glass needle
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an ultra-microinjection detection and control device based on lensless imaging and a method thereof. A lensless optical liquid level sensor is used to measure a change of a liquid level in an injection needle. A microinjection control unit is used to track the change of the liquid level and correct an injection pressure of the injection pump. Transmitted light generated by a parallel light source passes through a transparent glass tube of the injection needle. Then the transmitted light passes through a light filtering film to reduce the intensity of the parallel light source to a photosensitivity range of a micro linear array image sensor chip. Finally, the transmitted light enters the micro linear array image sensor chip, so that the micro linear array image sensor chip measures the change of the liquid level in the injection needle.