Microplastic Detection via Differential Interference Contrast Microscopy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting microplastics in fluids are limited by size constraints, transparency issues, complex device configurations, and the need for pretreatment, making real-time detection of microplastics of various sizes and transparency challenging.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus utilizing a microfluidic chip and optical imaging device with a bandpass filter, Köhler illumination system, polarizers, and a magnification system to detect and analyze microplastics of various sizes in real-time, regardless of transparency, without the need for pretreatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If optical microscopy is used for detection, then fast analysis time and low cost are achieved, but detection of transparent microplastics is limited due to low refractive index difference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes by using a bandpass filter to select specific wavelength ranges (e.g., 400-600 nm) that enhance the contrast between transparent microplastics and the background. By filtering light to pass only specific wavelengths, the system maximizes the refractive index difference visibility, making transparent microplastics detectable while maintaining fast analysis time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters by adjusting the bandpass filter wavelength range and using polarizers to modify the light properties. This allows optimization of the refractive index contrast for different types of microplastics, enabling detection across various sizes and transparency levels without sacrificing analysis speed
2Measurement precision
If spectroscopic methods are used, then elemental analysis is enabled, but size measurement is limited to 20 μm or larger for Fourier transform infrared
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves universality by combining multiple optical components (bandpass filter, polarizers, DIC microscope) into a single system that can detect microplastics across a wide size range from nanometers to millimeters. The system performs both elemental analysis and size measurement simultaneously, making it applicable to various microplastic types without requiring separate instrumentation for each measurement type
3Reliability
If existing detection technologies are used, then detection is possible, but device configuration is complicated and pretreatment is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functional components including the bandpass filter, Köhler illumination system, polarizers, and DIC microscope into a single integrated optical imaging device. This consolidation reduces device complexity while maintaining detection reliability, eliminating the need for separate pretreatment steps and simplifying the overall system configuration
4Measurement precision
If fluorescence treatment is applied, then detection sensitivity is improved, but pretreatment requirement increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by using the inherent optical properties of microplastics (refractive index differences) for detection without requiring external fluorescence treatment or labeling. The bandpass filter and polarizer system enhances the natural contrast of microplastics, eliminating the need for additional pretreatment steps and reducing device complexity while maintaining detection sensitivity
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 real-time detection and analysis of microplastics of various sizes and transparency in fluids, improving detection efficiency and eliminating the need for pretreatment, while maintaining focus on the sample.
Implementation Method 1
A bandpass filter, which passes the light with a specific wavelength range, is placed between a light source and a first polarizer of the optical imaging device
Implementation Method 2
an optical imaging device which is capable of observing the microplastics in the fluid regardless of how much the microplastics are transparent by focusing a point in the microchannel
Implementation Method 3
an optical imaging device which is capable of observing the microplastics in the fluid regardless of how much the microplastics are transparent by focusing a point in the microchannel
Implementation Method 4
A magnification system is placed between the second polarizer of the optical imaging device and the image sensing device, and the magnification system magnifies the image of a beam
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for detecting microplastics based on optical technology, more particularly the present disclosure relates to an apparatus for detecting microplastics, which is capable of detecting and analyzing microplastics of various sizes that exist in a fluid in real time regardless of transparency using a microfluidic chip based on optical technology.