Polarimetric Coherent Diffraction Imaging for Label-Free Cell Imaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging techniques for biological samples, such as cancerous cells and SARS-CoV-2 viruses, often require destructive methods, chemical labeling, or have limitations in resolution and tissue specificity.
Innovation Solution
Polarimetric coherent diffraction imaging (CDI) uses polarized coherent electromagnetic beams to map anisotropy in the complex refractive index of cellular structures without chemical labeling, employing systems with polarizing sources, detectors, and imaging circuitry to generate high-resolution, non-destructive images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electron imaging techniques are used to achieve very high resolution, then resolution is improved, but the sample must be sliced to obtain volumetric information which causes destruction of the sample
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical slicing methods with X-ray diffraction imaging. Instead of physically sectioning the sample to obtain volumetric information, the invention uses coherent X-ray beams to generate diffraction patterns that can be computationally reconstructed into three-dimensional images, thereby eliminating mechanical destruction of the sample while maintaining high resolution
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces computational algorithms as an intermediary between the physical sample and the final image. Diffraction patterns are captured and processed through iterative reconstruction algorithms to generate volumetric images, allowing non-destructive three-dimensional imaging without direct mechanical contact or slicing of the sample
2Measurement precision
If chemical labels are used to support imaging with tissue specificity, then tissue specificity is improved, but the complexity of the imaging process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for chemical labeling from the imaging process. By utilizing the inherent optical anisotropy and diffraction properties of biological tissues, the invention achieves tissue-specific imaging through the polarization state changes of X-rays as they pass through different tissue structures, removing the requirement for external chemical agents
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the biological sample to serve itself for imaging purposes. The natural structural and optical properties of the tissue, including its anisotropy and diffraction characteristics, provide the contrast and specificity needed for imaging without requiring external labels or markers, thereby simplifying the overall imaging process
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 high-resolution, label-free imaging of biological samples by capturing polarization-dependent structural anisotropies, providing detailed images of cellular structures and viruses like SARS-CoV-2 with minimal radiation damage.
Implementation Method 1
polarizing, by a polarizer, the source coherent electromagnetic beam to yield the source polarized coherent electromagnetic beam
Implementation Method 2
filtering, by a crystal analyzer, the intermediate electromagnetic beam to yield the output electromagnetic beam
Implementation Method 3
converting, by a detector, the output electromagnetic beam into the output electrical signal
Implementation Method 4
The intermediate electromagnetic beam is related to the source polarized coherent electromagnetic beam and to an optical anisotropic property of the biological sample
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, there is provided method of imaging a biological sample. The method includes providing, by a polarizing source assembly, a source polarized coherent electromagnetic beam to the biological sample. The method further includes capturing, by a detector assembly, an intermediate electromagnetic beam from the biological sample. The intermediate electromagnetic beam is related to the source polarized coherent electromagnetic beam and to an optical anisotropic property of the biological sample. The method further includes providing, by the detector assembly, an output electrical signal corresponding to an output electromagnetic beam. The output electromagnetic beam is related to the intermediate electromagnetic beam. The method further includes generating, by an imaging circuitry, an image of at least a portion of the biological sample based, at least in part, on the output electrical signal.