Multiwell Detection System with Parallel Signal Acquisition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for analyzing cellular arrays lack parallel acquisition from multiple wells, particularly in terms of temporal resolution, and are unable to efficiently collect signals from multiple wells simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an illumination assembly to direct light to multiple wells and a detection assembly to collect and transfer signals in parallel, with a sampling rate greater than 100 Hz, allowing for simultaneous signal collection and transfer from each well, enabling efficient detection of light-detectable sensors and biological activity across multiple wells.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a microscope and CCD camera are used to measure individual wells in succession, then single cell resolution is achieved, but parallel acquisition from multiple wells is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the detection task by assigning a separate detector to each well, creating independent detection channels that operate simultaneously. This segmentation allows parallel acquisition from multiple wells while maintaining single-cell resolution in each well through dedicated detection optics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from sequential temporal measurement (one well at a time) to spatial parallel measurement by arranging detectors in an array that corresponds to the well array. This dimensional change enables simultaneous detection across multiple wells without compromising measurement precision.
2Productivity
If systems are designed for parallel acquisition of cellular outputs from multiple wells, then productivity is improved, but temporal resolution is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
By providing each well with its own dedicated detector, the system enables independent simultaneous measurement in each well. This segmentation allows high sampling rates (greater than 100 Hz) to be maintained across all wells in parallel, achieving both high productivity and high temporal resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses multiple identical detector units, each capable of high-temporal-resolution measurement, and distributes them across the well array. Each detector copy maintains the full temporal resolution capability while contributing to parallel acquisition, thus preserving measurement precision across all channels.
3Productivity
If signals from multiple wells are collected simultaneously in parallel, then sampling rate is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection assembly is segmented into multiple independent detector units, each handling one well. This modular segmentation simplifies the overall system architecture by making each detector a standalone unit with identical functionality, reducing the complexity of signal routing and data processing compared to a shared detector system.
Solution Approach 2:
Each detector in the array is a universal, identical unit capable of detecting signals from any well. This universality reduces device complexity by using standardized components throughout the system, eliminating the need for specialized detectors for different wells, and simplifying calibration and maintenance.
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 system achieves efficient and simultaneous multiwell acquisition of signals, providing high temporal resolution and enabling rapid detection of biological responses across multiple wells, improving the analysis of cellular outputs and biological activities.
Implementation Method 1
direct light from an excitation source to a plurality of wells of an array of wells... at least a portion of the light may illuminate at least a portion of each well... to form at least partially illuminated wells
Implementation Method 2
The signal may be converted to an electrical current signal by the detector
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are devices, systems, and methods for detection of sensors, such as light-detectable sensors. The devices or systems as described herein may comprise an illumination assembly configured to direct a light to at least a well of a plurality of wells in the array of wells and a detection assembly configured to detect a signal from the well.