Optical Mask for NGS Flow Cell Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technologies face challenges with noise interference from surrounding clusters in flow cells, difficulty in detecting integrated cluster patterns, and the need for complex optical systems and excessive reagent usage, which hinder effective sequencing speed and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
An optical analysis device with a light source, optical detector, and an optical mask with transmissive mask holes is used, where the optical detector and mask are precisely aligned and moved relative to the flow cell to isolate fluorescent signals from specific wells, reducing noise and enabling efficient detection of integrated clusters without a complex optical system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a plurality of clusters is formed in the flow cell, then the measurement range is improved, but fluorescent signals from surrounding clusters flow into the image sensor and become noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection field into discrete segments by positioning mask structures between adjacent wells. Each mask structure segments the optical path to allow light from a specific well to reach its corresponding detection element while blocking light from neighboring wells, thereby enabling multi-well detection without cross-contamination of fluorescent signals
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces mask structures as intermediary elements positioned between the flow cell and image sensor. These masks act as mediators that selectively transmit or block light paths, allowing the system to detect multiple clusters simultaneously while preventing fluorescent signals from surrounding clusters from reaching the image sensor and creating noise
2Area of stationary object
If two or more kinds of clusters are arranged with smaller interval than image pixel interval, then the flow cell integration is improved, but effective detection becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the detection difficulty by introducing a spatial dimension through physical mask structures positioned in the optical path. Instead of relying solely on the two-dimensional pixel array to resolve closely spaced clusters, the masks add a third dimensional layer of spatial filtering, physically directing light from each well to its corresponding detection element regardless of the tight spacing between wells
3Measurement precision
If a complex optical system is used, then the detection capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes unnecessary optical components from the detection system. By using a simplified optical path with mask structures positioned close to the flow cell, the system eliminates the need for complex lens assemblies, mirrors, and other optical elements typically required for multi-well detection, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The mask structures are positioned to utilize the natural geometry of the flow cell wells and the inherent directionality of fluorescent emission. The masks self-align with the well positions and automatically direct light from each well to the appropriate detection element without requiring complex active control systems or additional optical components
4Area of stationary object
If a large flow cell is used, then the measurement range is improved, but reagent consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional approach of using a large flow cell to accommodate multiple wells with a strategy of detecting multiple clusters in a compact flow cell arrangement. By using mask structures to enable simultaneous detection of multiple closely-spaced clusters, the system achieves the same measurement range with a smaller flow cell volume, thereby reducing reagent consumption while maintaining the ability to analyze multiple DNA clusters
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
This approach decreases noise, enhances measurement range, and improves sequencing speed by effectively detecting fluorescent signals from specific wells, allowing for rapid and accurate analysis of DNA clusters on patterned flow cells while reducing reagent consumption.
Implementation Method 1
When a reaction in which the complementary base binds to the base of the DNA fragment occurs, fluorescent light of the base is emitted
Implementation Method 2
an optical mask including light transmissive mask holes disposed at a front end of each of the detection elements
Implementation Method 3
an optical detector including a plurality of the detection elements that detect optical signals from the reaction regions of the flow cell
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are an optical analysis device and an optical analysis method. The present invention provides an optical analysis device for optically analyzing a flow cell, including: a light source configured to emit light to the flow cell; an optical detector including a plurality of detection elements that detects optical signals from reaction regions of the flow cell; and an optical mask including light transmissive mask holes disposed at a front end of each of the detection elements, and an optical analysis method using the same.