Optical Stimulation Device with Temperature-Controlled Fluid Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow cytometry methods face challenges in creating controlled, reproducible conditions for optical stimulation of biological samples, leading to delayed detection of biochemical or biological signal changes, which can result in unreliable and time-sensitive measurements.
Innovation Solution
A device with multiple light sources arranged axially and circumferentially around a temperature-regulated fluid circuit, ensuring thermal coupling and controlled optical stimulation of biological samples, allowing for immediate and reproducible detection of signal changes using a flow cytometer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If optical stimulation is performed without temperature control, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of measurements deteriorates due to temperature-induced signal variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the optical stimulation chamber with a temperature-controlled liquid circuit system, merging thermal regulation functionality into the optical stimulation device. The liquid circuit flows through channels in the chamber housing, integrating temperature control directly into the stimulation environment without requiring separate heating/cooling apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a temperature-controlled liquid as an intermediary medium between the light sources and the biological sample. This liquid circulates through the chamber, absorbing or providing heat to maintain constant temperature during optical stimulation, thereby isolating the sample from temperature fluctuations that would otherwise affect measurement reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light sources are used for comprehensive optical stimulation, then the versatility of the device is improved, but the heat generation and temperature control complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal temperature-controlled liquid circuit system that serves multiple light sources simultaneously. The same liquid circulation pathway cools or heats all light-emitting components (lasers, LEDs) and the sample chamber together, providing a unified thermal management solution for diverse optical stimulation configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a hydraulic liquid circulation system for temperature control. A pump drives the temperature-controlled liquid through channels in the chamber and heat exchange components, using fluid dynamics to efficiently transfer thermal energy to and from multiple light sources and the sample environment.
3Measurement precision
If the sample is kept in a static position for measurement, then the measurement precision is improved, but the time delay in detecting signal changes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous flow of the temperature-controlled liquid through the sample chamber during optical stimulation and measurement. This continuous circulation ensures uninterrupted thermal equilibrium and allows real-time detection of biochemical signal changes without requiring static sample positioning or interrupting the measurement process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary temperature equilibration of the sample and chamber using the liquid circuit before optical stimulation begins. This pre-conditioning ensures the sample is already at the optimal temperature when stimulation starts, eliminating temperature adjustment delays during the actual measurement phase.
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 real-time, reversible measurement of optogenetic effects in biological samples by maintaining constant temperature and light conditions, reducing time delays in signal detection and enhancing the reliability of cytometric analysis.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of light sources (13) emitting light of at least one predefinable wavelength
Implementation Method 2
The inner surface (5) of the housing (4) forms a boundary wall for thermal coupling between the plurality of light sources (13) and the liquid circuit
Implementation Method 3
The inner surface (5) of the housing (4) forms a boundary wall for thermal coupling between the plurality of light sources (13) and the liquid circuit and is transparent to the light from the plurality of light sources (13)
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) and a method for the optical stimulation of an optically activatable biological sample (3), comprising at least one light source (13; 13', 13''), which emits light of at least one predetermined wavelength that impinges directly or indirectly on the sample (3). The invention is characterised in that: the at least one light source (13; 13', 13'') is thermally coupled to a hollow channel section (4); the hollow channel section (4) is part of a fluid circuit through which fluid flows; a temperature-control unit (12) and a conveying pump are arranged along the fluid circuit; and the hollow channel section (4) has at least one limiting wall (5) onto which the optically activatable biological samples (3) are thermally coupled in a direct or indirect manner.