MXene Mass Tags for Single-Cell Cytometry and Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging and cytometry techniques for detecting nanomaterials suffer from limitations such as slow imaging speed, strong background, and lack of single-cell resolution, and are not able to simultaneously detect nanomaterials at the single-cell level, and lack versatility in tracking and labeling strategies.
Innovation Solution
The use of MXenes as mass tags for single-cell detection and tracking, which are biocompatible and can be detected by single-cell mass cytometry and imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If label-free detection methods (electron microscopy, tomography) are used to detect nanomaterials, then detection speed is improved, but imaging resolution at single-cell level deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces mass tags (metal-containing compounds or nanoparticles) as intermediary substances that bind to nanomaterials. These mass tags serve as detectable intermediaries that amplify the signal from nanomaterials, enabling detection at single-cell level by mass cytometry while maintaining the label-free advantage of not requiring complex functionalization protocols
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from direct imaging (electron microscopy) to mass spectrometry-based detection (mass cytometry). By detecting the mass-to-charge ratio of ions, the system achieves both high-speed detection and single-cell level resolution, resolving the contradiction between detection speed and measurement precision
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If conventional imaging techniques are used to detect nanomaterials, then detection capability is improved, but background signal increases
Solution Approach 1:
Mass tags act as specific intermediaries that bind to nanomaterials with high affinity. The mass cytometry detection specifically targets the unique mass signature of these metal-containing tags, which stand out against the biological background, thereby reducing background signal while improving detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses mass-to-charge ratio as the detection parameter instead of optical properties. Each mass tag has a unique mass signature that can be detected by mass cytometry, providing high contrast against the biological background without the background interference that plagues optical imaging methods
3Measurement precision
If metal element-tagged probes are used in CyTOF, then parameter discrimination capability is improved, but the number of available detection channels is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection space by using multiple distinct mass tags with different mass-to-charge ratios. Each mass tag can be detected in a separate channel by mass cytometry, allowing simultaneous multi-parameter detection. The segmentation of the mass spectrum enables expansion of detection channels beyond the limitations of conventional metal-tagged probes
Solution Approach 2:
The mass tagging system is designed to be universal and compatible with mass cytometry detection. The same detection platform can detect multiple different mass tags simultaneously, providing multi-functionality. This universal approach allows the system to handle diverse nanomaterials and biomarkers through a single versatile detection platform
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 MXenes are used to detect nanomaterials in a biocompatible and efficient manner, allowing for specific applications in imaging and tracking.
Implementation Method 1
single-cell mass cytometry by time-of-flight (CyTOF)
Implementation Method 2
based on mass spectrometry to detect metal element-tagged probes, thus allowing for parameter discrimination according to their mass/charge ratio (m/z)
Implementation Method 3
ion beam imaging by time-of-flight (MIBI-TOF)
Implementation Method 4
ion beam imaging by time-of-flight (MIBI-TOF)
Data Source
AI summary
Methods that include tagging at least one cell with a MXene, the cell optionally being an immune cell; and detecting at least one component of the MXene using one or more of single-cell mass cytometry by time-of-flight (CyTOF), imaging mass cytometry (IMC), and ion beam imaging (MIBI-TOF). Systems that include a cell tagged with an amount of a MXene; and a detection train configured for at least one of time of flight (CyTOF), imaging mass cytometry (IMC), and ion beam imaging by time-of-flight (MIBI-TOF) that detects the MXene. Methods that include tagging a population of cells with at least one MXene: and processing the population of cells with at least one of time-of-flight (CyTOF), imaging mass cytometry (IMC), and ion beam imaging by time-of-flight (MIBI-TOF) that detects the at least MXene; and relating the detection of the at least one MXene to a characteristic of the population of cells.