Optical Movement Detection in 3D Cell Cultures Without Imaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring movement in three-dimensional biological samples, such as cell and tissue cultures, are time-consuming, require complex imaging optics, and are not suitable for parallel measurement of large numbers of samples, especially in multiwell plates, due to depth and spatial constraints.
Innovation Solution
A device that uses optical methods to detect movement by measuring scattered, polarized, and/or diffraction radiation from biological samples, avoiding the need for complex imaging and allowing for contactless monitoring of multiple samples simultaneously.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If automated imaging methods are used to detect movement in three-dimensional biological samples, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and measurement time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential optical interaction information (scattered, polarized, and/or diffraction radiation) needed for movement detection, eliminating the need for complex imaging optics. By focusing on specific radiation properties rather than full image capture, the system achieves movement detection precision without requiring sophisticated imaging systems or extensive computational resources.
2Measurement precision
If automated imaging methods are used to detect movement in three-dimensional biological samples, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to multiple image planes and repositioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential optical interaction information (scattered, polarized, and/or diffraction radiation) needed for movement detection, eliminating the need for multiple image planes. By focusing on specific radiation properties rather than full image capture, the system achieves movement detection precision without requiring time-consuming sequential imaging of multiple depth planes.
3Productivity
If imaging techniques are used to monitor multiple samples in parallel, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases due to positioning requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal detection system that can monitor multiple samples simultaneously using a single optical device. The system measures scattered, polarized, and/or diffraction radiation from multiple samples in parallel without requiring individual positioning of imaging optics for each sample, enabling high-throughput screening while maintaining device simplicity.
4Ease of operation
If transmission methods are used to measure light through the sample, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to high background noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the typically harmful effect of light scattering into a beneficial measurement signal. Instead of measuring transmitted light directly (which creates high background noise), the system measures the scattered, polarized, and/or diffraction radiation that results from sample-matter interactions. This approach transforms the scattering that normally degrades transmission measurements into the primary detection mechanism, achieving high movement detection sensitivity while maintaining operational simplicity.
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, cost-effective, and sensitive detection of sample movement without the need for complex data processing, suitable for high-throughput screening and parallel monitoring of multiple samples.
Implementation Method 1
measuring scattered, polarized, and/or diffraction radiation from biological samples
Implementation Method 2
measuring scattered, polarized, and/or diffraction radiation from biological samples
Implementation Method 3
measuring scattered, polarized, and/or diffraction radiation from biological samples
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
The invention relates to a method and a device for the optical in vitro detection of movement in a spatially extended biological sample in the form of a three-dimensional cell and/or tissue culture or a cell cluster or a sample of free-floating microorganisms. The method comprises the steps: (a) providing a receptacle for the sample (1), a light source (6), optics (7, 8), and a detector (2), (a1) wherein the optics (7, 8) are configured to illuminate the entire sample (1) in the receptacle with radiation emitted from the light source and to direct at least a portion of the radiation (11) from the light source (6), which is altered at any point within the sample (1) by interaction with the sample (1) in its beam direction, polarization state, and/or diffraction pattern, onto a detection surface (2a) of the detector (2), and (a2) wherein the detector (2) is configured(a) to generate a measurement signal (9) depending on the detected radiation, the temporal profile of which indicates a temporal profile of the intensity of the detected radiation (11) and/or from which the temporal profile of the intensity of the detected radiation (11) can be derived; (b) illuminating the sample (1) with radiation from the light source; and (c) detecting movement in the biological sample (1) depending on a temporal change in the measurement signal (9).