Microbiological Analysis Device Spectral Offset Fluorophore Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microbiological analysis devices for detecting microorganisms using fluorophore markers are costly and complex due to the need for narrow band-pass filters to separate excitation and emission spectra, leading to significant light energy loss and reduced manufacturing efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A device with a spectral offset between excitation and absorption wavelengths of fluorophore agents, allowing for the elimination of input filters and using light-emitting diodes with a Gaussian distribution spectrum, which reduces manufacturing costs and increases the size of analyzable surfaces without significant parasitic interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If narrow band-pass filters are used to separate excitation and emission spectra, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the input band-pass filter from the traditional fluorescence microscopy system. By using LED illuminating means with inherently narrow spectral width, the system removes the need for complex filter assemblies while maintaining spectral separation precision through the spectral offset between LED excitation and fluorophore absorption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spectral parameters by selecting LED excitation sources whose emission spectra are offset from the fluorophore absorption maxima. This parameter change allows direct illumination without narrow band-pass filters, simplifying the device while maintaining measurement precision through careful selection of LED wavelengths that match fluorophore excitation requirements.
2Measurement precision
If narrow band-pass filters are used to separate excitation and emission spectra, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the energy-lossy narrow band-pass filter from the optical path. By using LED illuminating means with naturally narrow spectral profiles, the system eliminates the need for filters that would otherwise block significant portions of excitation light, thereby reducing energy loss while maintaining spectral separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the typically harmful spectral overlap between excitation and emission into a beneficial feature. By deliberately selecting LED excitation wavelengths that are offset from fluorophore absorption maxima, the system achieves both efficient excitation and reduced parasitic interference without requiring energy-wasting narrow band-pass filters.
3Loss of energy
If spectral offset between excitation and absorption wavelengths is used, then loss of energy is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, precision-critical narrow band-pass filters with more tolerant LED illuminating means. While spectral alignment is still important, LEDs provide inherent spectral narrowness and offset characteristics that reduce the stringency of manufacturing precision requirements compared to traditional filter-based systems.
4Adaptability or versatility
If traditional illuminating means with wide spectral width are used, then adaptability is improved, but loss of energy increases due to need for narrow band-pass filters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains universality by providing a platform that can accommodate multiple fluorophores with different spectral characteristics. By using LED illuminating means with selectable wavelengths and spectral offsets, the system achieves adaptability across different fluorophores without requiring narrow band-pass filters for each configuration, thereby reducing energy loss while maintaining versatility.
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 device enables clear detection of microorganisms with improved contrast and reduced light energy loss, allowing for larger surface analysis with the same electrical power, while maintaining sufficient energy for fluorescence excitation, thus making the technology more economical and simpler.
Implementation Method 1
detecting the presence of the microorganisms by analysis of the fluorescence emitted by those microorganisms after they have been marked by what are referred to as flurogen or fluorophore markers
Implementation Method 2
using light-emitting diodes with a Gaussian distribution spectrum
Data Source
AI summary
The device for the microbiological analysis of a support adapted to contain microorganisms marked by a fluorophore agent, said agent being adapted to absorb light energy with an absorption spectrum (53) having a crest (53′) at a predetermined absorption wavelength (λ2) and to release that energy by emitting light with an emission spectrum (54) having a crest (54′) at a predetermined emission wavelength (λ3) distinct from said absorption wavelength (λ2), comprises illuminating means; the spectrum (55) of the excitation light coming from the illuminating means having a crest (55′) at a predetermined excitation wavelength (λ1) with a predetermined difference between the excitation (λ1) and absorption (λ2) wavelengths by virtue of which it is made easy to discriminate the light emitted by said fluorophore agent from that coming from the illuminating means.