Optical Oxygen Probe Lid for Continuous Cell Metabolism Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing techniques for measuring oxygen consumption by cells are limited in their ability to maintain a sterile environment, continuously monitor oxygen consumption over days or weeks, and minimize disruption to the oxygen concentration gradient.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a sterile, disposable probe lid attached to a durable handheld electronic array of optoelectronic sensors, positioned on top of a standard multi-well tissue culture plate, with optical probes inserted into the fluid of multiple tissue wells to measure oxygen consumption while maintaining a sterile and minimally disruptive environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a probe is used to measure oxygen consumption by cells, then measurement capability is improved, but the probe disrupts the oxygen concentration gradient in the fluid
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical contact-based oxygen measurement with optical measurement. Optical probes use light absorption characteristics of oxygen to determine oxygen concentration without physically disturbing the fluid or cells, thereby eliminating the mechanical disruption caused by traditional probes while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light as an intermediary medium to transfer information about oxygen concentration from the fluid to the sensor. Instead of directly contacting the fluid with a measurement probe, the system uses optical signals that pass through the fluid, allowing indirect measurement that does not disrupt the oxygen gradient.
2Measurement precision
If a measurement system is introduced to monitor cells, then measurement capability is improved, but the sterile environment is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement system into two separate components: a sterile disposable probe lid that contacts the cells and fluid, and a non-sterile reusable electronic sensor array that remains outside the sterile environment. This segmentation allows the sterile barrier to be maintained while still enabling measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a disposable probe lid that is sterile and can be discarded after a single use. This disposable component maintains the sterile environment by being replaced for each experiment, while the expensive electronic sensor array is reused without requiring sterilization, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement capability and sterile maintenance.
3Duration of action of moving object
If a measurement system is designed for continuous monitoring, then measurement duration is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the measurement system to be self-contained and autonomous. The disposable probe lid with integrated optical probes and the electronic sensor array work together as a complete unit that can continuously monitor oxygen consumption over extended periods without requiring external intervention, complex control systems, or frequent maintenance, thereby achieving long duration monitoring with relatively simple device architecture.
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 system allows for continuous, real-time measurement of oxygen consumption by cells over several weeks, maintaining a sterile environment and minimizing disruption to the oxygen concentration gradient, thereby providing accurate and robust metabolic activity data.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of optoelectronic sensors arranged to acquire optical signals from probes immersed in the fluid. These optical signals represent a molecule level in the fluid at a sensor of the probe
Data Source
AI summary
A method for performing measurements includes providing relative movement between a receptacle and a cover over a measurement interval comprising multiple non-overlapping time periods. A distance between the receptacle and the cover changes along a first axis over at least a portion of each time period. An apparatus for performing measurements includes a receptacle comprising a substrate and a plurality of wells within the substrate, and a cover. The cover includes: (1) a device configured to engage with the receptacle, (2) a control subsystem configured to provide relative movement between the receptacle and the cover, and (3) a measurement subsystem.