Hydrophobic Polymer Dye Calibration Aid for Optical Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical dyes used in calibration devices for optical imaging applications suffer from low stability, leakage, and rapid chemical and photo-chemical degradation, leading to suboptimal performance in surgical and other optical imaging procedures.
Innovation Solution
A calibration device comprising a hydrophobic polymer matrix with a dye visible in the spectral range of 500 nm to 2000 nm, where the dye is homogeneously distributed within the polymer matrix, providing stability and easy sterilizability, and using specific cyanine dyes to minimize aggregation and self-quenching, with varying dye weight percentages in different areas for enhanced performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional optical dyes are used in calibration devices, then the device can be manufactured with simple materials, but the dye exhibits low stability, leakage, and rapid degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials by integrating dye molecules into a hydrophobic polymer matrix. This composite structure combines the optical properties of the dye with the stability and protective characteristics of the polymer, resolving the contradiction between simple manufacturing and reliable performance. The polymer matrix acts as a stabilizing medium that prevents dye degradation while maintaining manufacturability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the dye environment by embedding it in a hydrophobic polymer matrix with specific properties (contact angle ≥90°, specific glass transition temperature range). This parameter change transforms the dye from an unstable, leak-prone state to a stable, contained state within the polymer network, improving reliability without significantly complicating the device.
2Reliability
If dye is distributed in the polymer matrix, then stability is improved, but manufacturing precision is required for homogeneous distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent controls the manufacturing process by maintaining specific parameter ranges: dye weight percentage between 0.01-30% and glass transition temperature of the polymer between -50°C to 150°C. These controlled parameters ensure homogeneous distribution and stable embedding of dye in the polymer matrix, achieving both reliability and manufacturability through parameter optimization rather than excessive precision requirements.
3Reliability
If hydrophobic polymer matrix is used to improve stability, then adhesion to smooth surfaces is improved, but sterilization process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent selects hydrophobic polymers with specific properties (contact angle ≥90°, specific glass transition temperature) that inherently provide good adhesion to smooth surfaces. The polymer's physical properties are chosen to be compatible with standard sterilization methods, allowing autoclaving or chemical sterilization without requiring complex specialized processes. This resolves the contradiction by selecting materials whose inherent properties satisfy both adhesion and sterilization requirements.
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 solution offers improved stability, adhesion, and photostability of the calibration device, allowing for reliable calibration and imaging applications, including surgical procedures, with reduced dye leakage and prolonged performance under illumination.
Implementation Method 1
said material comprises at least one hydrophobic polymer... said at least one hydrophobic polymer forms a continuous matrix... This embodiment allows the calibration device to be easily sterilisable
Implementation Method 2
at least one dye visible in a spectral range of wave-lengths comprised between 500 nm and 2000 nm included... said at least one dye is homogeneously distributed within said polymer matrix
Implementation Method 3
In optical imaging applications, for instance surgical procedures using optical imaging device, a calibration aid is used to calibrate the device. Typically, the calibration aid comprises a fluorescent dye with an absorption in the near infrared range
Data Source
AI summary
A calibration device for optical imaging applications, including a body forming separate areas and a material formed on the areas, the material includes at least one polymeric material and at least one dye visible in a spectral range of wave-lengths including between 500 nm and 2000 nm included arranged on the areas, the at least one polymer forms a continued matrix, the at least one dye is homogeneously distributed within the polymer matrix, in a predetermined weight percentage by weight of the hydrophobic polymer in the material, and the weight percentage of said at least one dye is different in each of the areas.