Permanent Magnet Cell Imaging for Rapid Blood Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting target cells in blood, such as cancer or endothelial cells, lack a rapid, low-cost, and consistently reliable means for assessment using flow or image cytometry.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the direct addition of a small permanent magnet to a blood sample containing CD4 immunomagnetically labeled and fluorescently stained cells, followed by magnetic manipulation and imaging, enables the positive selection and enumeration of target cells using a fluorescent cell imaging system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional flow or image cytometry methods are used for detecting target cells in blood, then the detection process is established, but the methods lack rapidity, low cost, and consistent reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-labeling target cells with magnetic particles and fluorescent markers before detection. This pre-preparation enables rapid detection without complex processing during the actual measurement, achieving both speed and reliability simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses magnetic particles as an intermediary to bind specifically to target cells, enabling their selective isolation and enrichment. This intermediary approach enhances detection reliability by concentrating target cells while maintaining rapid detection capability
2Measurement precision
If immunomagnetic separation technology is used to enrich target cells, then sensitivity and specificity are improved, but the process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges immunomagnetic separation with fluorescent labeling in a single integrated process. By combining these two techniques, the method achieves high sensitivity and specificity without requiring separate complex processing steps, thus reducing overall process complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs magnetic particles that serve multiple functions: they enable magnetic separation for enrichment and also facilitate imaging for detection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate reagents and steps, simplifying the overall process while maintaining high measurement precision
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 allows for rapid and accurate detection of rare cells, providing diagnostic information through immunomagnetic isolation and enrichment, enhancing the sensitivity and specificity of target cell identification and enumeration.
Implementation Method 1
Small permanent magnets are added directly to a blood sample containing CD4 immuno-magnetic labeled fluorescently stained AO whole blood
Implementation Method 2
fluorescently stained AO whole blood
Data Source
AI summary
A system for enumeration of cells in fluids by image cytometry is described for assessment of target populations such as leukocyte subsets in different bodily fluids or bacterial contamination in environmental samples, food products and bodily fluids. Briefly, all cells in a biological sample are fluorescently labeled, but only the target cells are also magnetically labeled. A small, permanent magnet is inserted directly into the chamber containing the labeled sample. The magnets are coated with PDMS silicone rubber to provide a smooth and even surface which allows imaging on a single focal plane. The cells are illuminated and the images of the fluorescent light emitted by the target cells are captured by a CCD camera. Image analysis performed with a novel algorithm provides a count of the cells on the surface that can be related to the target cell concentration of the original sample.