Nanolaser Spectroscopy for Bioparticle Refractive Index Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for diagnosing cancer are labor-intensive and may provide false readings, as they rely on older cell-staining techniques that are time-consuming and lack accuracy in distinguishing between diseased and normal cells.

Innovation Solution

The use of nanoscale semiconductor lasers and resonant optical devices to rapidly analyze the optical properties of bioparticles, allowing for the differentiation between healthy and diseased states by measuring refractive index and biomolecular composition, without the need for fluorescent probes or extensive specimen preparation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If older cell-staining methods are used for cancer diagnosis, then diagnostic capability is achieved, but the process becomes labor-intensive and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediagnosis speedVSAvoidtime-consuming preparation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical cell-staining procedures with optical resonance detection using nanolaser devices. The nanolaser measures refractive index changes of cells directly without requiring chemical stains or manual preparation, thereby eliminating labor-intensive steps and significantly reducing diagnosis time while maintaining diagnostic capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The nanolaser device performs self-diagnosis by detecting intrinsic optical properties of cells. The system automatically measures refractive index variations caused by biomolecular composition changes in diseased versus normal cells, eliminating the need for external staining agents or manual intervention, thus improving productivity and reducing time loss

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If older cell-staining methods are used, then cell analysis is possible, but measurement accuracy and reliability deteriorate due to false readings

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedistinguishing accuracyVSAvoidfalse readings

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the measurement parameter from visual staining intensity to quantitative refractive index measurement. The nanolaser detects subtle changes in refractive index that correlate with biomolecular composition differences between diseased and normal cells, providing more precise and reliable measurements that eliminate false readings associated with subjective staining evaluation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces subjective visual assessment of stained cells with objective optical resonance measurement. The nanolaser provides quantitative data on refractive index, which directly reflects cellular biochemical state, thereby improving measurement precision and eliminating false readings that occur with manual staining interpretation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If fluorescent probes are used for cell analysis, then specific biomolecular detection is achieved, but device complexity and preparation requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidapparatus complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and measures the intrinsic optical resonance properties of cells directly, eliminating the need for fluorescent probes. The nanolaser detects refractive index changes caused by biomolecular composition without requiring external labeling, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining detection capability through direct optical measurement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses refractive index as an intermediary parameter to detect biomolecular composition. Instead of directly detecting specific molecules with fluorescent probes, the system measures the overall refractive index change caused by biomolecular variations, simplifying the detection mechanism while preserving the ability to distinguish diseased from normal cells

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8209128B1Nanolaser spectroscopy and micro-optical resonators for detecting, analyzing, and manipulating bioparticles

Publication Date: 2012.06.26 GOURLEY PAUL L

AI summary

This invention provides a new method for rapidly analyzing single bioparticles to assess their material condition and state of health. The method is enabled by use of a resonant cavity apparatus to measure an optical property related to the bioparticle size and refractive index. Measuring the refractive index is useful for determining material properties of the bioparticle. The material properties depend on the biomolecular composition of the bioparticle. The biomolecular composition is, in turn, dependent on the state of health of the bioparticle. Thus, measured optical properties can be used to differentiate normal (healthy) and abnormal (diseased) states of bioparticles derived from cells or tissues. The method is illustrated with data obtained from a resonator with a gain medium. The invention also provides new methods for making multiple measurements in a single device and detecting, analyzing, and manipulating bioparticles that are much smaller than the wavelength of light.