Lighting System for Uniform Cell Culture Irradiation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for verifying the potency of porphyrin-based anti-neoplastic agents like Photofrin require complex and inefficient assays, lacking a standardized approach for ensuring consistent and accurate irradiation of cell cultures for photodynamic therapy.

Innovation Solution

A lighting system comprising a xenon arc lamp, infrared absorbing filter, optical filters, and dispersing lenses is used to provide uniform irradiation of cell culture plates with specific wavelengths, ensuring consistent exposure and potency assessment of photosensitizers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If complex and non-standardized assays are used for potency verification, then the ability to perform potency assessment is maintained, but the efficiency and consistency of the assay process deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassay efficiencyVSAvoidassay complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by standardizing the irradiation parameters (wavelength, intensity, duration) through a controlled lighting system. This standardization transforms the variable and complex assay process into a standardized procedure with fixed parameters, improving efficiency while maintaining assessment capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The lighting system is designed to provide universal illumination conditions for potency assays. By creating a standardized light source that can be applied across different assay conditions and cell types, the system eliminates the need for complex, customized assay setups while maintaining comprehensive potency verification capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If non-uniform irradiation is used in potency assays, then the assay process is simpler, but the accuracy and reliability of potency assessment deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepotency assessment accuracyVSAvoidirradiation system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by ensuring uniform light distribution across the specific assay area. The lighting system is designed to provide consistent irradiation intensity across the cell culture plate surface, with filters and optical elements positioned to achieve homogeneous local illumination where it is most needed for accurate potency assessment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses optical filters and diffusing elements as intermediaries between the light source and the cell culture. These intermediary components modify the light output to achieve uniform irradiation patterns, translating the complex requirement for uniform illumination into a manageable optical design solution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If standardized irradiation conditions are implemented, then the consistency of potency assays is improved, but the flexibility to adapt to different assay requirements deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassay consistencyVSAvoidassay flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting system incorporates dynamic control capabilities, allowing adjustment of irradiation parameters (intensity, duration, wavelength selection) while maintaining standardized delivery. This dynamic control enables the system to adapt to different assay requirements while preserving the core benefit of standardized, consistent irradiation conditions through controlled variability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 system enables precise and uniform irradiation of cell cultures, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of potency assays for porphyrin-based agents, thereby supporting the development and quality control of photodynamic therapy treatments.

Implementation Method 1

an infrared absorbing filter to pass a first portion of the collimated broad spectrum light and absorb infrared light of the broad spectrum light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInfrared absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

an optical filter to pass the second portion of the collimated broad spectrum light after the first portion of the collimated broad spectrum light reaches the optical filter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical filtration: Filter (optical)

Implementation Method 3

a first lens to collimate the broad spectrum light that exits the lamp housing through the light-port

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCollimation: Lens

Implementation Method 4

a second lens to disperse the second portion of the collimated light that passed through the optical filter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight dispersion: Lens

Implementation Method 5

a lamp comprising a xenon arc lamp

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectArc discharge: Electric Arc

Data Source

PatentEP2856109B1Lighting systems and methods of using lighting systems for in vitro potency assay for photofrin
Publication Date: 2023.09.06 CONCORDIA LAB
  • EP2856109B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2856109B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2856109B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

Presently disclosed is a lighting system and methods of using the lighting system for in vitro potency assay for photofrin. The lighting system includes a lamp housing, a first lens, an infrared absorbing filter, an optical filter, and a second lens. The lamp housing includes a lamp and a light-port. In operation, broad spectrum light from the lamp exits the lamp housing by passing through the light-port. The first lens then collimates the broad spectrum light that exits the lamp housing through the light-port. The infrared absorbing filter then passes a first portion of the collimated broad spectrum light to the optical filter and absorbs infrared light of the broad spectrum light. The optical filter then passes a second portion of the collimated broad spectrum light to the second lens. The second lens then disperses the second portion of the collimated light to provide uniform irradiation of a cell culture plate. A method of using the lighting system for studying a photosensitizer is also disclosed.