Optical Cavity Mode Sensor for Live Cell Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical cavity mode sensors are unable to effectively sense biochemical and biomechanical processes within live cells due to limitations such as large particle sizes, external coupler requirements, and interference with cellular processes, making it difficult to achieve precise and quantitative measurements.
Innovation Solution
The development of a method using optical cavity mode sensors with microresonators or clusters of microresonators that can penetrate cells, utilizing phase-sensitive measurements and fluorescent materials to detect biomechanical and biochemical changes, allowing for real-time sensing of cellular properties without external interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If large particle size sensors (10 μm and above) are used for optical cavity mode sensing, then sensing capability is improved, but the ability to incorporate into live cells deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the size parameter of the sensor particles from large (10 μm and above) to small (below 10 μm, preferably 0.1-5 μm), enabling cellular internalization while maintaining optical cavity mode sensing capability through parameter optimization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical coupling system (physical contact with external couplers) with an optical excitation system using evanescent fields, allowing remote sensing without mechanical interference with cellular processes
2Measurement precision
If external couplers are used for optical cavity mode excitation, then sensing capability is improved, but interference with cellular processes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the external coupler component from the sensing system, enabling the sensor to be fully internalized by cells without external mechanical interference, while maintaining sensing capability through evanescent field coupling
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces evanescent fields as an intermediary mechanism to couple optical energy into the microresonator without requiring physical contact with external couplers, enabling remote excitation that does not interfere with cellular processes
3Use of energy by moving object
If precise control of coupler-microcavity distance is required for WGM excitation, then excitation efficiency is improved, but device complexity and measurement reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the microresonator to self-excite WGMs through its own geometry and optical properties when illuminated by evanescent fields, eliminating the need for external distance control mechanisms and reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical distance control system with an optical field-based excitation mechanism, where the evanescent field naturally couples to the microresonator without requiring nanometer-precision mechanical positioning
4Measurement precision
If changes in spacing between coupler and microcavity occur, then resonance position stability deteriorates, but measurement precision is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the external coupler from the system, eliminating the source of spacing variations and their detrimental effect on resonance position stability, while maintaining sensing capability through evanescent field coupling
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
Enables precise and quantitative monitoring of biomechanical and biochemical processes within cells, even during the transmigration of the sensor, providing robust and sensitive data on cellular events and environments.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor comprises an optical cavity mode sensor with a microresonator or clusters of microresonators, wherein the sensor is based on whispering gallery modes
Implementation Method 2
The microresonator or clusters of microresonators contain a fluorescent material
Data Source
Figure 1a~2(II)
Figure 3~4(b)
Figure 5(I)~6(d)
AI summary
A method for sensing a biochemical and/or biomechanical process of a biological material, comprising the steps of: disposing at least a part of a microresonator into the biological material; and before, during, or after disposing the part of the microresonator into the biological material, sensing the process of the biological material by analysis of one or more optical cavity modes of the microresonator.