Magnetic Immobilization for Flow Cytometry Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current flow cytometers are expensive, complex, physically large and fragile, require trained technicians for alignment, and consume large volumes of sheath fluid, making them costly and difficult to install and operate, while also having longer acquisition times and lower throughput compared to needed standards.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a fluid handling subsystem for sample transfer and cleaning, an optics subsystem with LED illumination and CCD imaging, and a magnet-based immobilization subsystem to hold samples in place during measurement, enabling efficient imaging and analysis with reduced costs, mechanical stability, and higher sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If flow cytometers are used for material measurement, then measurement capability is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential measurement function from complex flow cytometers by using simple optical components (LEDs, lenses, photodetectors) arranged in a minimal configuration. The system removes unnecessary subsystems while retaining the core capability to detect fluorescently labeled particles through fluorescence emission measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces expensive, fragile flow cytometer components with inexpensive, robust alternatives such as LED light sources instead of lasers, simple photodetectors instead of complex detectors, and uses disposable microcentrifuge tubes as reaction chambers, eliminating the need for expensive flow cells and alignment mechanisms.
2Measurement precision
If flow cytometers are used for material measurement, then measurement capability is achieved, but physical size and fragility increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential measurement components needed for fluorescence detection, eliminating bulky subsystems such as complex fluid delivery systems, alignment mechanisms, and large detector assemblies. The result is a compact system that fits on a laboratory bench.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges multiple functions into single components: the same optical path is used for both excitation and collection, microcentrifuge tubes serve as both reaction vessels and sample holders, and simple mechanical stages combine positioning and sample loading functions, reducing overall system size.
3Measurement precision
If flow cytometers are used for material measurement, then measurement capability is achieved, but acquisition time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-incubating samples with fluorescently labeled particles in the microcentrifuge tubes before measurement, and by pre-positioning multiple samples in the measurement chamber. This allows rapid sequential measurement without sample preparation delays during the actual measurement process.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables continuous measurement by implementing an automated sample loading system that continuously presents samples to the measurement optical path, and by using a photomultiplier tube that can continuously detect fluorescence emissions without interruption, eliminating idle time between measurements.
4Measurement precision
If flow cytometers are used for material measurement, then measurement capability is achieved, but sheath fluid consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the sheath fluid delivery system entirely by using a different measurement approach: samples are measured in contained microcentrifuge tubes without requiring hydrodynamic focusing or sheath fluid flow. This completely removes the source of sheath fluid consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses the sample tube's own structure to contain and present the sample for measurement, eliminating the need for external sheath fluid to deliver or position the sample. The sample self-positions in the measurement path through simple tube placement, and measurement proceeds without consumable sheath fluid.
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 achieves cost-effective, mechanically stable, and highly sensitive measurements with shorter acquisition times and higher throughput, eliminating the need for sheath fluid and allowing for final washing of samples, thereby improving the efficiency and accuracy of material analysis.
Implementation Method 1
immobilizing the array of particles in the imaging plane by application of a magnetic field to the array of particles in the imaging chamber
Implementation Method 2
magnetically attractable substance in the fluid stream to the magnetic structure
Implementation Method 3
The particles in each subset have one or more classification parameters that distinguish the particles from one subset from those of another subset according to a discriminant function table. The exposed pooled population of subsets of particles is passed through an examination zone to determine the identity and quantity of each analyte of interest.
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods for performing measurements of one or more materials are provided. One system is configured to transfer one or more materials to an imaging volume of a measurement device from one or more storage vessels. Another system is configured to image one or more materials in an imaging volume of a measurement device. An additional system is configured to substantially immobilize one or more materials in an imaging volume of a measurement device. A further system is configured to transfer one or more materials to an imaging volume of a measurement device from one or more storage vessels, to image the one or more materials in the imaging volume, to substantially immobilize the one or more materials in the imaging volume, or some combination thereof.