Microdialysis Imager Pixel Array for Spatiotemporal Chemical Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microdialysis techniques face limitations in capturing spatiotemporal chemical activity in heterogeneous tissues, as they often sample only one location at a time, leading to incomplete descriptions and potential under-sampling of concentration profiles, especially for low concentration signals, which can result in diffusive or advective mixing and violation of the Shannon/Nyquist sampling theorem.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for microdialysis imaging and regional fluidic delivery that utilizes a microdialysis imager with a pixel array to monitor and control fluidic substances across multiple locations simultaneously, incorporating a fluidic module with valves and pumps for real-time delivery and collection, and an analyzer unit for chemical detection, enabling continuous monitoring and analysis of chemical gradients across a living bio-object.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional microdialysis techniques sample only one location at a time, then the sampling process is simple, but the measurement precision and completeness of spatiotemporal chemical activity is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the tissue monitoring area into multiple discrete sampling locations arranged in a grid pattern, with each location having its own microdialysis probe. This segmentation allows simultaneous monitoring of multiple spatial points, improving measurement precision of chemical gradients while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular probe design
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from single-point temporal sampling to two-dimensional spatial-temporal sampling by arranging probes in a grid pattern across the tissue surface. This dimensional expansion enables comprehensive mapping of chemical gradients and spatiotemporal dynamics that cannot be captured by sequential single-point sampling
2Measurement precision
If microdialysis probes are placed close together to capture chemical gradients, then the spatial resolution is improved, but diffusive or advective mixing between sampling locations occurs
Solution Approach 1:
Each microdialysis probe in the array is equipped with individually controllable flow rates, allowing local optimization of sampling conditions. Probes experiencing higher diffusive mixing can operate at lower flow rates, while others maintain higher rates, thereby preserving spatial resolution without suffering from cross-contamination effects
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the flow rate of each individual probe based on real-time conditions and spatial position within the array. This dynamic control enables probes at different locations to operate at optimal flow rates that minimize diffusive mixing while maintaining adequate sampling efficiency, resolving the contradiction between proximity and mixing
3Object-affected harmful factors
If sequential sampling is used to avoid mixing, then diffusive mixing is reduced, but the loss of time occurs and temporal aliasing may result
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple probes sample chemical concentrations simultaneously and continuously at their respective locations, eliminating the time loss associated with sequential sampling. The parallel architecture ensures continuous monitoring of spatiotemporal dynamics without temporal aliasing, while individual flow rate control prevents diffusive mixing between adjacent sampling points
4Measurement precision
If low concentration signals are sampled, then the detection sensitivity is improved, but under-sampling occurs and concentration profiles are incomplete
Solution Approach 1:
The tissue is divided into multiple sampling zones with probes distributed across the area, allowing low concentration signals to be detected at multiple spatial locations simultaneously. This segmentation ensures that no region is undersampled and complete concentration profiles are captured across the entire tissue domain
Solution Approach 2:
By expanding from single-point to multi-point simultaneous sampling across a two-dimensional grid, the system captures complete spatial concentration profiles of low concentration signals. This dimensional expansion prevents undersampling artifacts and provides comprehensive information about chemical gradients and spatiotemporal dynamics
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 two-dimensional chemical imaging of living cells and tissues, providing a comprehensive spatiotemporal analysis of chemical activity without the risks of under-sampling or temporal aliasing, enabling efficient dialysis and retrodialysis while maintaining high resolution and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
Dialysis is the chemical process by which particles in a liquid, such as organic or inorganic molecules of various sizes and properties, are separated based upon differences in their ability to pass through the pores of a semipermeable membrane
Implementation Method 2
a fluidic module coupled to the microdialysis imager for delivering a fluidic substance to and collecting effluent from the living bio-object
Data Source
AI summary
A system for microdialysis imaging and regional fluidic delivery and control includes a microdialysis imager including a imaging head having N pixels aligned in a pixel array for monitoring a living bio-object associated with the pixel array; and a fluidic module coupled to the microdialysis imager for delivering a fluidic substance to and collecting effluent from the living bio-object, including a fluidic network having a plurality of valves, a plurality of fluidic channels in fluidic communication with the plurality of valves and one or more pumps coupled to corresponding fluidic channels, and a microcontroller coupled to the fluidic network for individually controlling the plurality of valves and the one or more pumps of the fluidic network as so to operably and selectively deliver the fluidic substance to and continuously collect the effluent from the living bio-object responsive to the delivered fluidic substance via each pixel in real time.