Optical Interference Cell Measurement Cavity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies face challenges in sensing and managing the states of cells and culture media in real-time during cell culture processes, requiring a more efficient method for monitoring cell conditions.
Innovation Solution
A measurement apparatus comprising a light source, a filling portion with opposite surface portions to create a cavity for the cell-containing liquid, and a detector to capture interference fringes of the illumination light, allowing for precise real-time sensing of cell states based on these fringes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a microscope observes a cell cultured in a culture vessel by moving the stage in upper and lower directions to perform focus control, then images of respective surfaces can be taken and compared, but real-time sensing of cell states cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical stage movement system with an optical interference-based sensing system. Instead of mechanically moving the stage to capture multiple focal planes, the invention uses interference fringes generated by light passing through the culture medium to obtain three-dimensional cell information in a single snapshot, achieving real-time sensing without mechanical movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the phase transition of light waves through the culture medium to encode three-dimensional information. By analyzing the phase changes of interference fringes as light passes through different depths of the culture medium, the system can reconstruct cell morphology and position information without mechanical scanning.
2Loss of information
If conventional microscopy methods are used to sense cell states, then detailed cell images can be obtained, but real-time monitoring capability is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces sequential mechanical imaging with parallel optical interference measurement. Multiple cell parameters (position, morphology, concentration) are measured simultaneously through interference fringe analysis, eliminating the time loss associated with mechanical stage movement and enabling real-time monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the entire culture medium volume within the measurement field for interference measurement, rather than focusing on specific focal planes. This allows simultaneous extraction of information from all cell depths in the culture medium, maximizing information acquisition efficiency.
3Measurement precision
If the cavity width is not properly set, then the measurement apparatus cannot accommodate cells of different sizes and concentrations, but setting it for specific parameters reduces adaptability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the cavity width adjustable rather than fixed, allowing the measurement apparatus to adapt to different cell types, sizes, and concentrations. The cavity width can be dynamically changed to optimize the measurement conditions for different experimental requirements, balancing precision and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows changing the cavity width parameter to match different measurement needs. By adjusting the cavity width according to cell characteristics (size, concentration), the system maintains high measurement precision across various cell types while preserving adaptability to different experimental conditions.
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 real-time, high-precision sensing of cell states and culture media conditions, reducing contamination risks and operational costs while enhancing monitoring capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The detector detects an interference fringe of the illumination light passing through the cavity, the interference fringe being caused by the liquid including the cell
Data Source
AI summary
A measurement apparatus according to an embodiment of the present technology includes a light source, a filling portion, and a detector. The light source emits illumination light. The filling portion includes a first surface portion and a second surface portion which are provided on an optical path of the illumination light and are opposite to each other, the filling portion enabling a cavity between the first and second surface portions to be filled with liquid including a cell. The detector detects an interference fringe of the illumination light passing through the cavity, the interference fringe being caused by the liquid including the cell.