Optical Window Interface for Stabilizing Biological Samples
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical evaluation methods face challenges in stabilizing biological samples' mechanical, thermal, and optical properties, leading to difficulties in accurate spectroscopic analysis due to site variations, temperature changes, pressure effects, and fluorescence interference.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus that stabilizes the optical, thermal, and mechanical interface between a spectroscopic/imaging system and a biological sample using an optical window with a fluid, gel, or elastomer to reduce temperature rises, maintain constant pressure, and suppress unwanted fluorescence, ensuring positional reproducibility and thermal conductivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If an optical window with high thermal conductivity is placed in contact with the biological sample to prevent excessive temperature excursions, then temperature control is improved, but evaporation of volatile compounds such as water is impeded, causing moisture diffusion and altering scattering and reflection characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance (gel or liquid) between the optical window and the biological sample. This intermediary layer allows thermal conduction to occur while permitting volatile compounds to diffuse through it, thus preventing moisture accumulation at the interface. The intermediary acts as a mediator that resolves the conflict between thermal management and compositional stability.
2Measurement precision
If laser power is increased to obtain an adequate signal, then signal quality is improved, but temperature increase caused by laser radiation interferes with the measurement and can damage or destroy proteins by denaturation
Solution Approach 1:
The optical window with high thermal conductivity acts as a heat sink and thermal mediator between the laser-illuminated sample and the environment. It rapidly conducts away excess heat generated by the laser, preventing temperature buildup that would otherwise denature proteins or interfere with measurements, thereby enabling use of higher laser powers without damage.
3Duration of action of moving object
If the sample position is changed to avoid photo-bleaching, then fluorescence decay is reset, but the analysis becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent accepts photo-bleaching as an inevitable process and uses it beneficially by monitoring the monotonic decay of fluorescence over time. Rather than trying to prevent or reset the decay by moving the sample, the system measures the continuous decay curve, which provides information about the fluorophore's properties and the measurement system's stability. This converts the harmful photo-bleaching effect into a useful diagnostic signal.
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 apparatus allows for precise, long-term measurement of the same site on a biological sample, reduces temperature-induced damage, stabilizes scattering and reflection properties, and significantly reduces fluorescence noise, enabling accurate analysis of analyte concentrations over time.
Implementation Method 1
the thermal conductivity of which is substantially higher than that of the sample
Implementation Method 2
stabilizes scattering and reflection characteristics
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus is presented in which a sample can be accurately repositioned in a spectroscopic and/or imaging apparatus upon multiple insertions, and where the apparatus can be worn by living subjects for extended periods of time. The apparatus additionally reduces the temperature increase and stabilizes the temperature of the sample upon irradiation with an optical source of excitation. Additionally, the apparatus stabilizes the pressure and critical optical properties of the sample and its interface with the apparatus. Alternatively or additionally, the apparatus can be used to alter and/or substantially reduce fluorescence from targeted fluorophores in the sample.