Microscale Fluorescence Analysis Device with Sealing-Liquid Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing analysis methods face challenges in efficiently detecting and analyzing biomaterials and cells using fluorophores due to interference from autofluorescence and noise, particularly in microscale reactions.
Innovation Solution
The analysis apparatus includes a stage with receiving sections, a flow path, a waste liquid storage section, and an optical system, where the waste liquid storage section is positioned at a distance of 2 mm or more from the receiving sections, and a sealing liquid forms an interface to minimize autofluorescence and noise, allowing for effective fluorescence observation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the waste liquid storage section is positioned close to the receiving sections to minimize device size, then device complexity is reduced, but autofluorescence and noise increase due to proximity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful waste liquid containing autofluorescence from the observation area by positioning the waste liquid storage section at a distance of 2 mm or more from the receiving sections. This spatial separation removes the source of interference from the fluorescence detection zone, resolving the contradiction between compact device size and reduced autofluorescence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a sealing liquid as an intermediary substance between the waste liquid storage section and the receiving sections. This sealing liquid creates a physical barrier that prevents autofluorescence from the waste liquid from interfering with fluorescence observation in the receiving sections, allowing closer positioning while maintaining signal quality.
2Reliability
If the sealing liquid forms an interface close to the receiving sections to improve sealing efficiency, then sealing effectiveness increases, but fluorescence observation quality deteriorates due to increased autofluorescence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the contradiction by transitioning from horizontal proximity to vertical separation. The sealing liquid forms an interface that seals the receiving sections effectively while the waste liquid storage section is positioned at a distance of 2 mm or more away, creating spatial separation in the observation dimension while maintaining sealing integrity through the interface configuration.
3Measurement precision
If microscale reactions are performed to increase analysis sensitivity, then detection capability improves, but autofluorescence interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the source of autofluorescence interference (waste liquid) from the vicinity of the receiving sections by positioning the waste liquid storage section at a distance of 2 mm or more. This spatial extraction maintains the benefits of microscale reaction sensitivity while removing the harmful autofluorescence signal that would otherwise overwhelm the weak fluorescence signals from the microscale reactions.
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 configuration enhances the detection of fluorescence by reducing interference, enabling accurate and efficient analysis of biomaterials and cells, particularly in microscale reactions.
Implementation Method 1
an optical system which includes an objective lens, emits excitation light to the receiving sections, and allows observation of fluorescence generated in the receiving sections by the excitation light
Data Source
AI summary
An analysis apparatus including a stage, an analysis device placed on the stage and including receiving sections which accommodate a sample and a reagent for biochemical reaction, and are communicated with one another through a flow path having an inlet and an outlet, a liquid introduction section which is connected to the inlet and supplies into the flow path the sample, the reagent, and an sealing liquid for sealing each of the receiving sections, and a waste liquid storage section which is connected to the outlet and stores as waste liquid an excess of the sample and the reagent and a part of the sealing liquid supplied to the flow path, an optical system which includes an objective lens, emits excitation light to the receiving sections and allows observation of fluorescence generated in the receiving sections by the excitation light, and a control unit that controls such that the sealing liquid and the excess of the sample and the reagent form an interface in the waste liquid storage section, and that the interface is formed at a distance not less than a fluorescence-obtainable distance from a bottom of the receiving sections.