Light Refraction Imaging for Airway Surface Liquid Volume Measurement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring airway surface liquid (ASL) volume in cystic fibrosis are inadequate, as they fail to account for soluble regulators, pharmacological compound metabolism, and non-electrogenic ion transport, leading to inaccurate predictions of mucosal hydration effects from therapeutic agents.
Innovation Solution
A method using light refraction imaging to measure the volume of fluid in an air-liquid culture, which involves culturing epithelial cells on a membrane, illuminating the well, and analyzing the light profile to determine the meniscus volume using a computer-implemented process, allowing for simple, rapid, and standardized assessment of mucosal hydration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If confocal microscopy is used to measure ASL height, then direct measurement capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex confocal microscopy equipment with a simple digital imaging system (camera or scanner) combined with light refraction analysis. Instead of using sophisticated optical sectioning and fluorescent labeling, the invention uses the natural refraction of light at the ASL meniscus interface to generate measurable image patterns that directly indicate ASL volume and height.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in light intensity and color (grayscale values) in the captured images to indicate ASL volume. The refraction of light through the ASL meniscus creates distinct brightness patterns and grayscale variations that can be quantified to determine ASL height and volume without requiring fluorescent dyes or complex optical filters.
2Quantity of substance
If Using chamber measurements are used to assess ion transport, then ion transport data can be obtained, but the physiological relevance deteriorates due to non-physiological conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from electrical current (Isc) to optical properties (light refraction patterns). This parameter change allows measurement of ASL volume in a physiologically relevant context without the artifacts introduced by large fluid volumes and pharmacological concentrations required for electrical measurements.
3Measurement precision
If standardized methods are developed for ASL measurement, then measurement consistency is improved, but method complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs automated image analysis software that automatically detects the meniscus position, calculates ASL volume, and generates measurements without manual intervention. The system self-calibrates and processes images through algorithmic analysis of light refraction patterns, providing standardized measurements while minimizing the complexity of operation for the user.
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 approach provides a straightforward, high-throughput method for measuring ASL volume, suitable for screening therapeutic agents, and is more accurate and cost-effective than traditional methods, capable of detecting changes in ASL volume relevant to cystic fibrosis treatment efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
Light refraction imaging to measure liquid volume
Data Source
AI summary
A method to measure the volume of fluid present that relies on the pattern of light refraction as it passes though an airway surface liquid (ASL) meniscus. The method comprises allowing epithelial cells to grow on a membrane in a well so as to form a fluid meniscus about the perimeter of the well. The well is then illuminated by a light source. The illuminated cells in the well are then optically imaged by a scanner, a flat bed optical scanner, a camera, or any device capable of imaging. Microscopy may be used but is not needed, and high powered microscopy is certainly not needed. Then the imaging information from the cells in the well is used to determine a property of the meniscus in the well. Specifically, the imaging information can be analyzed to determine the dimensions, shape, and/or volume of the meniscus and the fluid in the well.