Optical Fiber Interferometer for Label-Free Tissue Analyte Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current diagnostic solutions for detecting analytes in tissues are invasive, require sample preparation, and often use labels, making them impractical for direct, minimally invasive measurements in solid tissues without disrupting the tissue's natural state.
Innovation Solution
An optical fibre interferometer sensor mounted in a metal guide, allowing direct in situ measurement without labels, using immobilized binding agents on the fibre to detect analytes in their natural state, with a design that minimizes disruption and contamination risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If labels (fluorescent or chemiluminescent markers) are used for detection, then measurement sensitivity is improved, but device complexity and sample preparation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the labeling step from the detection process. By using a label-free optical fiber sensor that detects analytes through direct interaction with immobilized binding agents, the invention removes the need for fluorescent or chemiluminescent labels, thereby simplifying the device while maintaining detection capability through optical interference measurements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the chemical/biological labeling mechanism with an optical detection mechanism. Instead of using chemical labels that require complex preparation, the invention uses optical fiber interferometry to detect analyte binding events directly, substituting a simpler optical system for the complex chemical labeling system
2Measurement precision
If tissue samples are collected and prepared externally, then measurement accuracy is improved, but invasiveness and loss of natural tissue state increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical fiber sensor as an intermediary that can be minimally inserted into the tissue to perform in situ measurements. This intermediary device allows direct detection of analytes in their natural tissue environment without requiring extraction, collection, or extensive preparation of tissue samples, thereby maintaining tissue integrity while achieving accurate measurements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the tissue to serve itself by performing measurements directly within the tissue environment. The optical fiber sensor detects analytes in situ without requiring the tissue to be removed or prepared externally, allowing the tissue to remain in its natural state and perform its physiological functions while being measured
3Adaptability or versatility
If optical fiber is directly inserted into tissue, then in situ measurement capability is improved, but risk of fiber fragmentation and contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the optical fiber sensor within a protective outer sheath or housing structure. This nested design allows the optical fiber to be inserted into tissue for in situ measurements while the outer protective layer prevents fiber fragmentation and reduces contamination risk, effectively protecting both the sensor and the tissue environment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides protective measures in advance by enclosing the optical fiber in a robust outer structure before insertion. This beforehand cushioning through protective housing prevents potential fiber breakage and contamination issues that could arise during or after insertion, ensuring reliability and safety before problems can occur
4Measurement precision
If sample collection and preparation procedures are used, then detection sensitivity is improved, but measurement time and productivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by immobilizing binding agents on the optical fiber surface before insertion. This pre-preparation of the sensor surface with functional binding agents allows direct detection of analytes upon insertion, eliminating the need for time-consuming sample collection, processing, and preparation steps that would otherwise be required to achieve sensitive detection
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 quick, sensitive, and label-free detection of analytes in tissues, maintaining the tissue's integrity and reducing the need for sample preparation, while ensuring safety and accuracy through precise spectral shifts analysis.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor, which is an optical fibre interferometer
Implementation Method 2
precise spectral shifts analysis
Data Source
AI summary
The device for detecting and/or determining the concentration of an analyte present in a tissue includes a sensor which is an optical fibre interferometer, and one interferometer arm being coated with an immobilised binding agent enabling selective binding of the analyte. The interferometer arm is mounted inside a guide enabling puncturing the tissue and performing an in situ measurement without the necessity to collect or prepare a sample. The guide is provided with a closed guide face, longitudinal perforations on sidewalls enabling the analyte to reach the binding agent, and an opening in the input end of the guide for introducing the interferometer with the arm into the guide. At the input end, the opening is sealed, enabling the isolation of the interior of the guide from the surroundings. The interferometer is mounted in a position in which the interferometer does not touch the inside walls of the guide.