Dynamic Crosstalk Correction in Multiplex qPCR Signal Collection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for correcting spectral crosstalk in multiplex qPCR reactions require calibration processes, which can be resource-intensive and may not accurately account for dynamic changes in emission wavelengths due to factors like salt concentrations and dye isomers, potentially leading to erroneous results.

Innovation Solution

The method determines crosstalk correlation directly from the signals recorded during the qPCR process without the need for a calibration process, using a dependency between the first and second signals to correct for crosstalk, allowing for dynamic crosstalk correction specific to each sample or reaction chamber.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a calibration process is used to correct spectral crosstalk, then crosstalk correction can be performed, but the process becomes resource-intensive and may not accurately account for dynamic changes in emission wavelengths

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecrosstalk correction accuracyVSAvoidresource consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the measurement signals themselves to determine crosstalk correlation, making the signals serve dual purposes: both as the primary measurement data and as the basis for crosstalk correction. This eliminates the need for separate calibration processes and reagents, directly reducing resource consumption while maintaining correction accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention determines crosstalk correlation dynamically based on the actual measurement signals, allowing the correction parameters to adapt to changes in emission wavelengths caused by factors like salt concentrations and dye isomers. This dynamic parameter adjustment improves correction accuracy without requiring fixed calibration values.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If a fixed crosstalk correction value is used, then the correction process is simplified, but dynamic changes in emission wavelengths due to salt concentrations and dye isomers cannot be accounted for

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecorrection process simplicityVSAvoidcrosstalk correction accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from static fixed correction values to dynamic determination of crosstalk correlation based on actual measurement signals. The crosstalk correlation is recalculated for each measurement, allowing the system to adapt to dynamic changes in emission wavelengths while maintaining operational simplicity through automated signal-based correction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The measurement signals provide feedback about the actual fluorescence emission characteristics, which are then used to adjust the crosstalk correction in real-time. This feedback loop ensures that the correction accurately reflects the current state of the measurement, accounting for variations in salt concentrations and dye isomers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If calibration processes are performed for each experiment, then accurate crosstalk correction is achieved, but time and resources are significantly consumed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecrosstalk correction accuracyVSAvoidcalibration time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The measurement signals automatically serve as the basis for determining crosstalk correlation, eliminating the need for separate calibration experiments. The system extracts crosstalk information directly from the fluorescence signals during the actual measurement process, saving significant time and resources while maintaining correction accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges the primary fluorescence measurement function with the crosstalk correction function. Both functions are performed simultaneously using the same measurement signals, eliminating the need for separate calibration processes and reducing overall experimental time and resource requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 simplifies the correction of crosstalk by using measurement data itself, improving accuracy and reducing resource consumption, and enables reliable evaluation of positive or negative results by considering dynamic changes in emission characteristics.

Implementation Method 1

Quantitative PCR methods can make use of fluorescent dyes, such as Sybr Green, EvaGreen or Fluorophore-containing DNA probes, such as TaqMan, to measure the amount of amplified product in real time.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluorescence: Fluorescence

Data Source

PatentEP4481058A1Method, use and device for signal collection in a process utilizing fluorescence at different wavelengths
Publication Date: 2024.12.25 QIAGEN GMBH
  • EP4481058A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4481058A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4481058A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention refers to a method for signal collection in a process that utilizes fluorescence detection at multiple wavelengths, especially a qPCR process. The method uses at least two channels, wherein for each of the at least two channels an excitation condition and a detection condition is provided for one of the multiple wavelengths, respectively, and wherein during the signal collection in the fluorescence detection: i) a first signal in the first channel is recorded; ii) a second signal in the second channel is recorded; and iii) a crosstalk correlation is determined using a dependency between the first signal and the second signal of the fluorescence detection.