Optical Fluorescence Dual Sensor for pH and Oxygen
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring photosynthetic activities in green algae and cyanobacteria are time- and labor-intensive, often require special devices, and have low measurement throughput due to interference from autofluorescence caused by chlorophyll and other pigments, limiting the ability to accurately sense pH and dissolved oxygen.
Innovation Solution
Development of an optical fluorescence dual sensor comprising a pH probe, an oxygen probe, and an intra-reference probe, immobilized in a poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate)-co-polyacrylamide matrix, which uses ratiometric measurement to overcome background interference and provide high throughput sensing of pH and oxygen levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fluorescence-based optical sensors are used to measure pH and oxygen in photosynthetic organisms, then measurement sensitivity and throughput are improved, but background interference from autofluorescence of chlorophyll and pigments increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is segmented into multiple independent fluorescent probes, each with distinct excitation and emission wavelengths. The pH sensor uses a probe excited at 480 nm with emission at 520 nm, the oxygen sensor uses a probe excited at 480 nm with emission at 620 nm, and the reference probe uses a probe excited at 405 nm with emission at 440 nm. This segmentation allows selective measurement at different wavelengths to distinguish sensor signals from autofluorescence background.
Solution Approach 2:
An intra-reference probe is introduced as an intermediary element that does not respond to pH or oxygen but experiences the same autofluorescence background and environmental conditions. By comparing the sensor probe signals to the reference probe signal, the system can mathematically subtract or ratio out the autofluorescence contribution, isolating the true sensor response.
2Device complexity
If traditional measurement methods (electrodes, manometric measurement) are used, then equipment complexity is reduced, but measurement throughput and automation capability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical and electrochemical measurement systems (electrodes, manometric devices) with an optical fluorescence-based system. This substitution enables automated, high-throughput measurements using standard plate readers or spectrofluorometers, eliminating the need for complex mechanical manipulation while increasing productivity through parallel processing of multiple samples.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical sensor system is designed to simultaneously measure multiple parameters (pH and oxygen concentration) in a single experimental setup using fluorescence spectroscopy. This multi-functional approach allows concurrent monitoring of different physiological parameters without requiring separate measurement systems, thereby increasing measurement throughput and reducing experimental complexity.
3Device complexity
If single-parameter measurement methods are used, then sensor design is simplified, but comprehensive assessment of photosynthetic activity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple sensing capabilities into a single integrated optical sensor system. By combining pH-sensitive and oxygen-sensitive fluorescent probes in the same sensing matrix, the system can simultaneously monitor both parameters during photosynthetic activity. This merged approach provides comprehensive assessment of photosynthetic performance without requiring separate measurement systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual-parameter optical sensor system enables simultaneous measurement of pH and oxygen concentration using a single sensing platform. This multi-functional design allows comprehensive evaluation of photosynthetic activity (both CO2 consumption via pH change and O2 generation) in one experiment, enhancing the versatility and adaptability of the measurement system for various photosynthetic studies.
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 dual sensor effectively measures pH and oxygen concentrations with high sensitivity and reproducibility, minimizing interference from autofluorescence and enabling simultaneous determination in a high throughput format, suitable for various samples including photosynthetic organisms.
Implementation Method 1
The probe for sensing pH exhibits an emission signal at about 520 nm when excited at about 380 nm
Implementation Method 2
This sensor will follow a photo-induced electron transfer (PET) mechanism and will show stronger fluorescence intensity at a low pH value
Implementation Method 3
The probe for sensing oxygen exhibits an emission signal at about 620 nm when excited at about 380 nm
Implementation Method 4
which can be quenched by O2 through triplet-triplet energy transfer
Implementation Method 5
The intra-reference probe exhibits an emission signal at about 420 nm when excited at about 380 nm
Implementation Method 6
which uses ratiometric measurement to overcome background interference
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an optical fluorescence dual sensor comprising a probe for sensing pH, a probe for sensing oxygen, an intra-reference probe and a matrix. The present invention also relates to methods of preparing an optical fluorescence dual sensor and methods of using them.