Photoacoustic Detection Device for Rapid CTC Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in bodily fluids, such as RT-PCR and laser flow cytometry, are time-consuming, require skilled technicians, and result in delayed availability of results, which hinders early-stage cancer detection and treatment decisions.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing electromagnetic energy to induce thermoelastic expansion in analytes within bodily fluid samples, generating a photoacoustic signal that is detected using a sensor, allowing for rapid and accurate identification of CTCs or other analytes, including the use of a photo-acoustic metastasis detection device with a laser and acoustic sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If RT-PCR technique is used for CTC detection, then detection accuracy is improved, but detection time and operational complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical and chemical RT-PCR process with a photoacoustic detection system that uses electromagnetic radiation to directly detect CTCs. The system irradiates the sample with pulsed light, detects the photoacoustic signal generated by CTCs, and provides results without requiring freezing, culturing, or multiple assay steps, thereby dramatically reducing detection time while maintaining accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the detection parameter from chemical analysis (RT-PCR) to physical-optical detection (photoacoustic signal). By measuring the photoacoustic response of CTCs to electromagnetic radiation instead of performing chemical amplification reactions, the system achieves rapid detection without sacrificing the ability to accurately identify and quantify circulating tumor cells
2Measurement precision
If RT-PCR technique is used for CTC detection, then detection accuracy is improved, but technician expertise requirement and error potential increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual, expertise-dependent RT-PCR procedure with an automated photoacoustic detection system. The system automatically irradiates the sample, detects signals, and processes results without requiring technicians to perform complex assay steps, thereby reducing both the expertise requirement and potential for human error while maintaining detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The photoacoustic detection system performs self-measurement by automatically detecting the photoacoustic signal from CTCs in the sample. The system does not require technician intervention for critical measurement steps, as the electromagnetic radiation and signal detection process occurs automatically, reducing operational complexity and eliminating technician error sources
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If laser flow cytometry is used for CTC detection, then detection capability is improved, but operational complexity and result interpretation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and isolates the essential detection function from the complex laser flow cytometry system. By using photoacoustic detection specifically targeted at CTCs in a simplified optical setup, the system maintains high detection capability while removing unnecessary complexity associated with flow cytometry instrumentation and data analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the complex optical-mechanical flow cytometry system with a simpler photoacoustic detection approach. Instead of using multiple lasers, flow cells, and complex signal processing, the system uses pulsed electromagnetic radiation and acoustic signal detection, maintaining detection capability while significantly simplifying the overall system
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 and precise detection of CTCs, potentially improving cancer diagnosis and treatment by providing timely and accurate information on metastasis and disease progression.
Implementation Method 1
exposing the bodily fluid sample to electromagnetic energy to cause a thermoelastic expansion in the analyte
Implementation Method 2
the absorption of laser pulses by a liquid, whereby the absorbed energy is converted into heat and a localized thermal expansion occurs causing a pressure wave at ultrasonic frequencies that can be detected with a suitable transducer
Data Source
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AI summary
An example method for detecting an analyte in a sample of a bodily fluid comprises the steps of exposing the bodily fluid sample to electromagnetic energy to cause a thermo elastic expansion in the analyte, and detecting a photoacoustic signal in the sample that results from the thermoelastic expansion.