Linear Upconversion Fluorophore for Low-Noise Biomaterial Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluorescence-based detection methods face limitations due to background noise from fluorophores and the need for high-power laser sources for non-linear upconversion nanoparticles, making them expensive and difficult to detect biomaterials effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing linear upconversion fluorescent properties, where a fluorophore with a Stokes' shift of less than 100 nm is excited with a light source longer than its maximum emission wavelength, allowing detection with a conventional LED, and measuring fluorescence emission shorter than the excitation wavelength, using dyes like diketo pyrrolo pyrrole derivatives and nanostructures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If non-linear upconversion nanoparticles are used for fluorescence detection, then detection sensitivity is improved, but the cost increases and detection difficulty arises due to requiring high-power laser sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental excitation mechanism from non-linear (multiphoton) to linear (single-photon) upconversion. This parameter change allows the use of conventional LED light sources instead of expensive high-power lasers, reducing device complexity while maintaining detection sensitivity through the unique linear upconversion fluorescent properties of the dye.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, complex laser systems with inexpensive, readily available LED light sources. This substitution maintains the essential detection function while dramatically reducing cost and complexity, making the system more accessible and easier to operate.
2Ease of operation
If conventional fluorescent particles are used for detection, then detection process is simplified, but background noise increases limiting detection sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite approach by combining organic dye molecules exhibiting linear upconversion fluorescent properties with appropriate substrates or carriers. This composite material provides both the simplified ease of use associated with conventional fluorophores and the enhanced detection sensitivity through minimal background noise, as the linear upconversion mechanism does not suffer from the same background interference issues as downconversion fluorescence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent exploits the unique optical property where the emitted fluorescence wavelength is shorter than the excitation wavelength (inverse of conventional fluorescence). This color change characteristic allows for effective separation of signal from background noise, as background fluorescence typically emits at longer wavelengths than excitation, enabling highly sensitive detection with simplified procedures.
3Measurement precision
If high-power laser sources are used for exciting non-linear upconversion nanoparticles, then fluorescence detection is achieved, but cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the mechanical/optical complex system of high-power lasers with a simpler LED-based excitation system. This replacement maintains fluorescence detection capability through linear upconversion while dramatically reducing energy consumption and cost, as LEDs are inexpensive, energy-efficient, and widely available.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified copy of the upconversion detection functionality that uses conventional LED technology instead of specialized laser systems. This copied approach achieves the same detection purpose with vastly reduced cost and complexity, making the technology accessible to broader applications.
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 enhances detection sensitivity by minimizing background noise and reduces costs by enabling biomaterial detection with a conventional LED, improving the signal-to-noise ratio and making the process more affordable.
Implementation Method 1
exciting the reaction complex using a light source with a wavelength longer than the maximum emission wavelength of the fluorophore; and detecting and measuring a fluorescence signal with a wavelength shorter than the wavelength of excitation light emitted from the excited reaction complex
Data Source
AI summary
A method for detecting biomaterial by means of a dye having a linear upconversion fluorescent property is provided. The method includes the steps of: i) preparing a fluorophore having a linear upconversion fluorescent property; ii) reacting the fluorophore and biomaterial to obtain a reaction complex thereof; iii) exciting the reaction complex by means of a light source having a longer wavelength than the maximum light-emitting wavelength of the fluorophore; and iv) detecting and measuring the light-emitting signal having a shorter wavelength than the wavelength of the excited light emitted from the excited reaction complex. A system and a kit for detecting biomaterial using a dye having a linear upconversion fluorescent property are also provided.