Optical Property Modification Devices for Biological Assays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current biological assays face challenges in efficiently modifying optical properties of biological samples for detection, often requiring complex equipment and techniques, and existing methods can damage fragile reagents during device assembly.
Innovation Solution
The development of biological sample assay optical property modifying devices with reaction chambers containing optical property modifying reagents and heating elements, allowing for optical property modification and detection by an un-assisted human eye, while preserving reagent functionality during manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex equipment and techniques are used to modify optical properties of biological samples, then detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable reaction chambers containing optical property modifying reagents that are discarded after single use. This eliminates the need for complex, expensive, and difficult-to-maintain reusable optical modification equipment, while still achieving accurate detection through the chemical reagents that temporarily modify optical properties during the assay.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical/optical equipment with chemical reagents that modify optical properties through biochemical reactions. Instead of using sophisticated optical instruments to detect and modify light properties, the invention uses chemical substances (such as pH indicators, chromogenic substrates, or fluorescent reagents) that undergo chemical changes to produce detectable optical signals, thereby simplifying the overall system.
2Measurement precision
If existing methods are used to modify optical properties, then detection capability is improved, but fragile reagents may be damaged during device assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the device into separate functional modules: reaction chambers containing fragile optical property modifying reagents are kept distinct from the rigid device assembly components. The reaction chambers can be separately prepared, sealed, and loaded into the device housing, allowing delicate reagents to be protected from damage during manufacturing and assembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical property modifying reagents are pre-loaded into reaction chambers before device assembly is completed. This preliminary action allows the fragile reagents to be sealed and protected in their final containers prior to being integrated into the device, preventing exposure to damaging mechanical stresses during manufacturing processes.
3Device complexity
If visual detection by un-assisted human eye is enabled, then device simplicity is improved, but optical property modification must be sufficiently pronounced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs reagents that undergo pronounced color changes or optical property modifications that are easily detectable by the human eye. Examples include pH indicators that change color at specific pH thresholds, chromogenic substrates that produce colored products from colorless reactants, or fluorescent reagents that emit light at specific wavelengths. These dramatic optical changes enable simple visual detection without requiring complex electronic detection systems.
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 efficient and cost-effective detection of biological samples with reduced complexity and no damage to reagents, allowing for accurate and reliable optical property modification and analysis.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element and/or a power source operatively coupled to the heating element. Heating elements are elements that are configured to generate thermal energy
Implementation Method 2
reacting the reaction product to sufficiently modify an optical property to allow detection of the modified optical property
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and methods for modifying optical properties of biological samples or aspects thereof are provided. The subject methods include generating a reaction product with a device and reacting the reaction product to sufficiently modify an optical property to allow detection of the modified optical property.