Multi-Modal Molecular Sensing System for Low Weight Analytes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current molecular sensing technologies face limitations in sensitivity and multiplexing capabilities, with labeled systems being susceptible to background effects and label-free systems struggling with low photon flux and molecular size dependency, hindering effective detection of low molecular weight analytes and multiplexing.
Innovation Solution
Integration of fluorescence-based and interferometric detection modalities into a single platform, allowing simultaneous data acquisition from both channels, which enhances sensitivity and multiplexing capabilities while minimizing background interference and molecular size limitations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fluorescent label based detection is used, then sensitivity is improved, but susceptibility to background effects increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines fluorescent label based detection and interferometric label-free detection into a single integrated system. The fluorescent channel provides high sensitivity through label-based detection, while the interferometric channel provides resistance to background effects through label-free detection. By merging these two complementary modalities, the system achieves both high sensitivity and background resistance simultaneously.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If label-free interferometric detection is used, then resistance to background effects is improved, but sensitivity deteriorates due to low photon flux
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated system merges interferometric detection (resistant to background effects) with fluorescent detection (high sensitivity). The interferometric channel maintains resistance to background effects while the fluorescent channel compensates for the lower sensitivity through its label-based detection mechanism. The combination allows the system to achieve both background resistance and high sensitivity.
3Measurement precision
If fluorescent labeling is applied, then detection capability is improved, but molecular behavior alteration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection capability into two independent channels: one using fluorescent labels and one using label-free interferometric detection. This segmentation allows the system to use labeling only when necessary (for high sensitivity detection) while preserving the option to use label-free detection when molecular behavior preservation is critical. The two channels can be used independently or in combination based on the specific detection needs.
4Loss of time
If label-free detection is used, then processing time is reduced, but molecular size dependency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into two channels with different detection mechanisms. The interferometric channel provides rapid label-free detection without molecular size limitations, while the fluorescent channel provides enhanced detection capability for specific applications. This segmentation allows the system to overcome the molecular size dependency limitation of label-free detection by incorporating the label-based channel that can detect molecules of any size with high 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
The integrated system achieves high sensitivity and multiplexing capabilities for low molecular weight detection, overcoming the limitations of both labeled and label-free systems by correlating fluorescence and interferometric data to extract biologically relevant information.
Implementation Method 1
fluorescence, which is the most common molecular detection modality in use today
Implementation Method 2
label-free systems (e.g., the Quadraspec biological compact disc system, such as described in the U.S. Pat. No. 6,685,885) have photon fluxes that are several orders of magnitude higher
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-modal data acquisition system for detecting target material on a biological reaction surface, the system comprising a radiation source for generating an incoming beam that impinges on the biological reaction surface at an oblique incidence angle and produces a reflected beam, an interferometric detector for detecting an interferometric signal from the illuminated surface, the reflected beam being directed to the interferometric detector, a fluorescence detector for detecting a fluorescence signal from the illuminated surface; the fluorescence detector being positioned to substantially minimize the incidence of the reflected beam; and a processing system for receiving the interferometric and fluorescence signals and determining the presence or absence of target material on the biological reaction surface. A reaction surface conditioned for the simultaneous collection of fluorescence, interferometric and other signals. A multi-modal data acquisition system for collecting and processing additional modes, including multiple interferometric, fluorescence and scattering channels.