PCR Fluorescence Detection With Walsh-Coded Signal Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing PCR technologies face challenges in accurately detecting fluorescence signals due to noise from mixed phosphor signals and photo bleaching, especially when amplifying multiple DNAs simultaneously using continuous light sources.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method utilizing a multi-wavelength light source with Walsh code modulation, optical fibers, and filters to normalize light source and fluorescence power by separating and calculating power for each DNA cell, minimizing noise and photo bleaching effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If continuous light is used to detect multiple DNAs simultaneously, then detection capability is improved, but signal noise increases due to mixed phosphor signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection process by assigning different wavelengths to different phosphors and using wavelength-specific detectors. This allows simultaneous detection of multiple DNAs while preventing signal mixing, as each detector only receives light at its specific wavelength range, eliminating the noise problem inherent in continuous light detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by using wavelength-specific optical filters and detectors tailored to each phosphor's emission characteristics. Each detection channel is optimized for its specific wavelength range, allowing precise measurement of fluorescence from individual phosphors without interference from others.
2Device complexity
If continuous light is used for PCR amplification, then amplification process is simplified, but photo bleaching occurs causing fluorescence intensity to decrease over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action by using intermittent illumination with specific wavelengths rather than continuous light. The light source is activated only during specific time windows corresponding to PCR cycles, allowing fluorescence signals to be captured at optimal moments while minimizing cumulative photo bleaching damage to the phosphors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of light illumination by switching from continuous broad-spectrum light to intermittent narrow-bandwidth light at specific wavelengths. This parameter change reduces the total energy exposure of phosphors, thereby minimizing photo bleaching while maintaining sufficient fluorescence signal for reliable detection.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple phosphors are used to detect multiple DNAs, then detection versatility is improved, but signal mixing and noise increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection system into multiple independent wavelength channels, each dedicated to detecting a specific phosphor. This segmentation allows simultaneous detection of multiple DNAs with different phosphors while preventing signal mixing, as each channel operates at a distinct wavelength with its own detector.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wavelength-specific optical filters as intermediaries between the light source and detectors. These filters act as mediators that allow only specific wavelength ranges to reach their corresponding detectors, preventing cross-contamination of signals from different phosphors and enabling versatile multi-DNA detection with high precision.
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
Enhances accuracy and efficiency of PCR diagnosis by separating and normalizing light and fluorescence signals, allowing for rapid and precise detection of multiple DNAs with reduced amplification cycles.
Implementation Method 1
a code generator configured to generate a plurality of code signals corresponding to the plurality of light source signals, respectively, wherein the plurality of code signals is a Walsh code
Implementation Method 2
an optical fiber for applying the plurality of light source signals, an optical fiber for receiving the light source reflection data
Implementation Method 3
receive light source reflection data including a plurality of light source reflection signals reflected from each of the DNA cells
Implementation Method 4
receive fluorescence data including a plurality of fluorescence signals received from a phosphor attached to each of the plurality of DNAs
Implementation Method 5
A phosphor (e.g., SYBR green) is attached to the amplified DNA and an intensity of a fluorescence signal emitted by an optical method is measured
Implementation Method 6
a first filter configured to, for one of the two optical fibers, block the light source reflection data and pass the fluorescence data
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) diagnosis for normalizing light source power and fluorescence power and an operating method thereof are disclosed.