Optical Particle Sensing with Cylindrical Lens
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for characterizing biological particles, such as EQELS, Coulter counters, and flow cytometry, have limitations in speed, particle size measurement range, and accuracy for detecting binding interactions, necessitating the development of new devices and processes for precise particle characterization.
Innovation Solution
A device incorporating a forward scatter detector, extinction detector, and laser beam with cylindrical lens, capable of measuring particles in a wide size range, particularly between 0.5 to 100 microns, and employing colloidal suspensions with binding and non-binding particles to determine the presence or absence of biological particles by measuring changes in particle ratios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If EQELS, Coulter counters, or flow cytometry are used to characterize biological particles, then particle size and binding information can be obtained, but the speed, particle size measurement range, and accuracy for detecting binding interactions are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical and electrical measurement systems (Coulter counters, flow cytometry) with an optical measurement system using laser light scattering. This substitution enables faster data acquisition while maintaining or improving measurement precision across a broader particle size range, directly resolving the contradiction between assay speed and measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the measurement parameters by using multiple optical detection angles (forward scatter, side scatter, total scatter) and analyzing the temporal profile of light scattering signals. This multi-parameter optical approach provides more accurate particle size and binding interaction data while enabling higher throughput compared to conventional single-parameter methods
2Measurement precision
If conventional methods are used to detect binding interactions, then some binding information can be obtained, but the accuracy and specificity for detecting surface chemistry changes are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional optical detection system that can simultaneously measure particle size, count particles, and detect binding interactions through multiple scattering parameters. This universal system replaces multiple separate specialized devices, achieving high measurement precision for binding interactions while actually reducing overall system complexity through consolidation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses laser light as an intermediary probe that interacts with particles in the suspension. By measuring how the light scattering properties change when particles bind to target molecules, the system achieves accurate detection of surface chemistry changes without requiring complex direct measurement apparatus
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional particle characterization methods are used, then microparticles between 0.1 μm and 50 μm can be detected, but the size range and measurement accuracy for different particle types are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the measurement capability by adding temporal dimension to the optical scattering analysis. By analyzing the time-resolved scattering profile as particles pass through the laser beam, the system can accurately differentiate particles across a wide size range (0.5-100 μm) and distinguish between different particle types based on their unique scattering temporal signatures, resolving the contradiction between measurement range and differentiation accuracy
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 accurate measurement of particle size, number, and binding interactions over a broader size range, improving the detection of biological particles like red blood cells, cancer cells, and viruses, with enhanced throughput and specificity compared to conventional methods.
Implementation Method 1
A device for determining the number of particles in a colloidal suspension includes a forward scatter detector, an extinction detector, a laser beam
Data Source
AI summary
A new device capable of measuring the number of particles present in a colloidal suspension is disclosed, which includes a forward scatter detector, an extinction detector, a laser beam, a cylindrical lens with which to create a plane of light through which particles can pass, and the various pumps and tubing needed to pass the colloidal suspension through the plane of light. The device is particularly designed for measuring particles which have different refractive indices, and which are in the size range of between about 0.7 to 2 microns. The device can determine the presence or absence of biological particles of interest in a given sample, by incubating a sample with a given ratio of active particles and marker particles, and determining whether the ratio of active particles and marker particles has changed. Additional binding and/or non-binding particles can also be present, and kits including the particles are also disclosed.