Portable Microarray Assembly Using Camera and Quantum Nanocrystals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microarray systems are large and stationary due to the use of laser scanners, making them non-portable and prone to low sensitivity and accuracy issues due to the use of organic dyes for fluorescent labeling, which results in background noise and optical fading.
Innovation Solution
A portable microarray assembly that replaces the laser scanner with a camera and uses Quantum Nanocrystal fluorescent-nanoparticles (QNC) for labeling, allowing for improved image sensitivity and resolution by positioning the camera and laser in parallel and incorporating a dichroic mirror system to reduce size and increase portability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a laser scanner is used for image acquisition, then image resolution and detection accuracy are improved, but device size and portability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical laser scanner system with a camera-based imaging system. The camera captures fluorescent images directly without requiring the complex scanning mechanics of a laser scanner, thereby reducing device size while maintaining sufficient image resolution for biomolecule detection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a camera to capture optical images of the fluorescent biomolecules, creating a visual copy of the microarray pattern. This optical copying approach eliminates the need for physical scanning while preserving the spatial information needed for accurate detection
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple laser scanners are used for wavelength multiplexing, then detection capability is improved, but device size, weight, and expense deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single camera system that can detect multiple wavelengths by using appropriate filters or filter sets. This multi-functional approach allows wavelength multiplexing capability without requiring separate laser scanners for each wavelength, thereby reducing device weight and complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of a single camera system by adjusting filters, excitation wavelengths, or camera settings to detect different fluorescent labels. This parameter-based approach enables wavelength multiplexing without adding multiple physical scanning devices
3Ease of manufacture
If organic dyes are used for fluorescent labeling, then labeling simplicity is improved, but sensitivity and measurement precision deteriorate due to background noise and optical fading
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses quantum nanocrystals, which are composite semiconductor nanoparticle structures with core-shell architectures. These composite materials provide superior fluorescent properties including narrow emission bands, high brightness, and resistance to photobleaching, thereby improving detection sensitivity while maintaining practical labeling capabilities
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 enhances the portability and accuracy of biomolecule detection and quantification, reducing the size of the microarray system and improving the resolution of images captured, leading to more precise infectious disease diagnoses.
Implementation Method 1
Light from a laser may be directed to the biomolecules, and those biomolecules tagged with the fluorescent label may emit light in response to excitation from the laser
Implementation Method 2
a first dichroic mirror horizontally aligned with the laser for reflecting light emitted from the laser
Implementation Method 3
a camera positioned parallel to and vertically below the laser... an image of the illuminated biomolecules may be captured
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are provided for imaging a microarray of a microarray assembly. The microarray assembly may be configured as a protein microarray and may be used to visualize protein expression levels in sample for disease detection and/or diagnosis. In one example, the microarray assembly may comprise a laser pointed in a first direction, a camera positioned parallel to and vertically below the laser, a first dichroic mirror vertically aligned with the laser for reflecting light emitted from the laser, a second mirror vertically aligned with the camera and horizontally aligned with the first dichroic mirror, and a chip coated in a nitrocellulose film and including an array of wells containing one or more biomolecules.