Microinjection Device Using Fluorescence Feedback for Precise Volume Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional microinjection technologies lack the ability to quantify and accurately control the amount of substances injected into cells, relying on guesswork due to the small volumes involved, leading to issues like clogging and excessive pressure application.
Innovation Solution
A microinjection device with a fluorescence-intensity detecting unit that calculates the injected amount based on pre-measured correlations between fluorescence intensity and injection parameters, allowing for precise control of pressure and pressurizing time to adjust the injection volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional microinjection methods are used without quantitative measurement, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision of injection amount deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical measurement methods with optical measurement using fluorescence detection. Instead of mechanically measuring the injected volume, the system uses fluorescent dyes and optical detectors to quantify the injected amount, thereby achieving high precision without complex mechanical measurement mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes fluorescence (a form of light emission) from fluorescent dyes to detect and quantify the injected amount. The fluorescence intensity serves as a proxy for the injected volume, enabling precise measurement through optical rather than mechanical means.
2Reliability
If pressure is increased to prevent capillary rise in the hollow needle, then the reliability of injection is improved, but the object-affected harmful factors worsen due to excessive pressure causing substance run-off
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time feedback control by monitoring fluorescence intensity during injection and adjusting pressure accordingly. This allows the system to maintain sufficient pressure to prevent capillary rise while avoiding excessive pressure that would cause substance run-off, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability and harmful effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts the pressure parameter based on real-time fluorescence measurements. By changing the pressure parameter in response to measured injection amounts, the system optimizes the balance between preventing capillary rise and avoiding excessive pressure effects.
3Manufacturing precision
If the hollow needle point diameter is reduced to achieve microinjection, then the manufacturing precision of injection location is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to gradual clogging and flow rate reduction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses real-time fluorescence monitoring to detect changes in flow rate caused by clogging and automatically adjusts injection parameters to compensate. This feedback mechanism maintains reliable flow rate despite the small needle diameter that causes gradual clogging.
4Manufacturing precision
If quantitative measurement of injected amount is implemented using fluorescence detection, then the manufacturing precision of injection amount is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional detecting units and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes complex mechanical measurement systems with optical detection systems. By using fluorescence detection instead of mechanical volume measurement, the system achieves high precision injection amount measurement while keeping the overall device complexity manageable.
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
Enables quantitative control of the injection amount with high accuracy, reducing clogging and excessive pressure issues, and ensuring precise delivery of substances into cells.
Implementation Method 1
a fluorescence-intensity detecting unit that detects fluorescence intensity by injecting a first solution containing a fluorescent reagent into a second solution
Implementation Method 2
an aqueous solution therein tends to flow backward due to capillary rise
Data Source
AI summary
A fluorescence-intensity detecting unit detects fluorescence intensity by injecting a first solution containing a fluorescent reagent into a second solution that does not form an interface with the first solution through an injecting member. A calculating unit calculates the injection amount of the first solution from the fluorescence intensity based on a correlation between fluorescence intensities and injection amounts measured in advance. A computing unit obtains a correlation between an injection amount, pressure and pressurizing time based on the calculated injection amount. An adjusting unit adjusts the amount of the first solution to be injected into the endoplasmic reticulum by controlling pressure and pressurizing time based on the obtained correlation.