Detachable Light-Blocking Well Plate Insert for Precise Fluorescence Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing observation methods using opaque vessels for fluorescence or luminescent measurements face challenges in achieving precise measurements with low light intensity and limited biological samples, while transparent vessels hinder accurate observation due to light diffusion.
Innovation Solution
An auxiliary member with a light-blocking portion that adheres to the bottom surface of a vessel compartment, combined with a light-transmitting bottom and light-blocking wall, allows for both transmitted light and precise fluorescence/luminescence observation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an opaque vessel is used for fluorescence or luminescent measurement, then light diffusion is reduced and measurement accuracy is improved, but transmitted light observation becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The vessel is divided into two functional parts: the wall surface is made opaque to block light diffusion during fluorescence measurement, while the bottom surface is made transparent to allow transmitted light observation. This segmentation of optical properties in different spatial locations resolves the contradiction between measurement precision and observation versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a transparent vessel is used for transmitted light observation, then observation versatility is improved, but light diffusion occurs and fluorescence measurement accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Different parts of the vessel are given different optical qualities: the wall surfaces are made opaque (black material) to prevent light diffusion, while the bottom surface is made transparent to enable transmitted light observation. This local differentiation of material properties allows the vessel to satisfy contradictory requirements in different spatial zones.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the vessel wall surface is made opaque, then light diffusion is reduced, but fluorescence measurement accuracy is still insufficient when light intensity is low
Solution Approach 1:
The light-blocking function is extracted from the wall surface and applied specifically to the bottom surface through the auxiliary member. By placing the light-blocking portion on the bottom surface, the system eliminates light diffusion from below while maintaining the transparent bottom for observation, thereby improving fluorescence measurement accuracy without sacrificing observation versatility.
4Measurement precision
If a light-blocking portion is added to the bottom surface, then fluorescence measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary member with the light-blocking portion is designed as a disposable, low-cost component that can be easily attached to and removed from the vessel. This approach avoids the need to manufacture complex permanent modifications to the vessel, thereby improving measurement accuracy while minimizing the increase in device complexity and cost.
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 stable and precise fluorescence/luminescence observation by stabilizing vessel orientation and reducing light diffusion, enhancing measurement accuracy with the auxiliary member's attachment.
Implementation Method 1
a light-blocking portion 11 that adheres to the bottom surface when the auxiliary member 1 is fitted to the well plate 9
Implementation Method 2
a well plate 9 having a plurality of wells 90, each well 90 having a light-transmittable bottom surface 91 and a light-blocking wall surface 92
Data Source
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AI summary
An auxiliary member (1) that is attachable to and detachable from a vessel (9) including a compartment (90) whose bottom surface (91) has a light transmission effect and whose wall surface (92) has a light-blocking effect is used to perform fluorescence imaging or luminescent measurement on biological samples contained in the compartment (90). The auxiliary member (1) includes a light-blocking portion (11) that adheres to the bottom surface (91) when the auxiliary member (1) is fitted to the vessel (9). Accordingly, cell observation using transmitted light can be performed when the auxiliary member (1) is not fitted to the vessel (9), and precise fluorescence/luminescence observation can be performed when the auxiliary member (1) is fitted to the vessel (9). That is, it is possible to achieve both cell observation using transmitted light and precise fluorescence/luminescence observation when fluorescence imaging or luminescent measurement is performed on biological samples such as cells.