Oscillatory Scanning Biological Sample Screening Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laser scanning cytometry (LSC) systems are time-consuming and labor-intensive due to the need for whole slide image stitching, require professional operation, and have limited flexibility and efficiency in identifying regions of interest, especially with narrow focused laser beams that are difficult to align and result in suboptimal cell constituent detection.
Innovation Solution
A screening module with a radiation unit, scanning unit, and detection unit that uses a focus-free or collimated radiation beam and oscillatory scanning motion to rapidly scan biological samples, allowing for high-speed identification of regions of interest without the need for complex optics or precise alignment, and is coupled with a signal processing unit and controller to process data for efficient analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a focused laser beam is used for scanning, then the system provides high resolution imaging, but the system becomes bulky, complex to align, and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the focusing function from the scanning system by using a collimated beam that does not require focusing optics. The detection is performed by collecting light over a large numerical aperture without requiring the beam to be focused to a diffraction-limited spot, thereby eliminating complex focusing optics and alignment requirements while maintaining detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of focusing the excitation beam to a small spot and detecting from there, the patent inverts the approach by using a collimated beam that illuminates a large area and collecting the emitted light over a large numerical aperture. This reverses the traditional microscopy paradigm of focusing excitation and results in a simpler, faster system
2Manufacturing precision
If a focused laser beam with narrow field of view is used, then the system provides precise scanning, but the scanning speed decreases and the probability of slide surface moving outside the field of view increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a point-by-point scanning approach in one dimension to a wide-field illumination approach that captures a large area simultaneously. By using a collimated beam with large diameter and collecting light over a large numerical aperture, the system effectively adds spatial dimensionality to the detection, allowing rapid acquisition of large fields of view without sacrificing detection precision
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional epi-fluorescent microscope acquisition methods are used, then the system provides detailed imaging, but the acquisition time increases to an hour or more
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary wide-field screening to identify regions of interest before conducting detailed analysis. By rapidly scanning the entire slide with a collimated beam and detecting fluorescent signals, the system pre-identifies areas that require further detailed examination, thereby avoiding time-consuming detailed imaging of the entire slide and reducing total acquisition time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses excessive illumination with a collimated beam that illuminates a large area beyond the eventual region of interest. This over-illumination approach allows rapid detection of fluorescent signals across the entire field of view, enabling fast screening without the need for precise, time-consuming focusing and scanning of each individual region
4Area of stationary object
If whole slide image stitching is performed, then the system provides complete coverage, but the process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal detection system that can rapidly scan and detect fluorescent signals across the entire slide in a single wide-field operation. The collimated beam and large numerical aperture detection system provide multi-functional capability to cover the entire slide area without requiring multiple sequential scans and digital stitching operations, thereby eliminating time-consuming post-processing
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 rapid pre-screening of biological samples to identify regions of interest, reducing scanning time to less than one second and improving imaging speed and efficiency, while simplifying the imaging process and allowing for cost-effective, time-efficient detection of cellular constituents.
Implementation Method 1
The fluorescent dye binds to a particular constituent of a cell in the biological sample. The stained sample is disposed on a slide. A laser source is used to provide focused laser beam to excite the sample. Fluorescently marked cells when illuminated by the laser beam emit fluorescent light.
Implementation Method 2
The scanning unit comprises one or more scanning devices, wherein the scanning devices are configured to rotate in an oscillatory scanning motion about an axis of rotation to scan the analysis surface in at least one direction.
Data Source
AI summary
A screening module configured to screen at least a portion of a biological sample disposed on an analysis surface is provided. The screening module comprises a laser source a scanning unit comprising one or more scanning devices, wherein the scanning devices are configured to rotate in an oscillatory scanning motion about an axis of rotation to scan the analysis surface in at least one direction, wherein the scanning unit is physically coupled to the laser source, and a detection unit comprising one or more detection devices.