Portable 2D Protein Detection Imaging System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current protein and biological particle detection methods lack portable, easy-to-use, cost-effective, and high-quality imaging and analysis modules, particularly for microarrays and microbeads, which are essential for large-scale diagnostics and bioanalysis, especially during epidemics like COVID-19.
Innovation Solution
Development of portable imaging systems equipped with cameras and online data processing capabilities, utilizing epi-illumination or light sheet illumination for high-throughput imaging of 2D planes on substrates and in liquids, enabling fast and accurate detection of proteins and particles like SARS-CoV-2 antigens with a focus on point-of-care diagnostics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If expensive and sophisticated imaging instruments (laser scanners, camera-based imagers) are used for microarray imaging, then imaging quality and resolution are improved, but device cost, complexity, and portability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical laser scanning systems with a stationary camera-based imaging system. Instead of using expensive laser scanners with high-precision 2D movement mechanisms, the invention uses a simple camera to capture fluorescence images of the entire microarray slide at once, eliminating the need for complex mechanical scanning components while maintaining imaging capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an optical copy (image) of the entire microarray slide using a camera, replacing the need for physical point-by-point scanning. This allows simultaneous capture of all microarray spots on the slide, transforming a sequential mechanical scanning process into a parallel optical copying process that is simpler and more portable
2Measurement precision
If traditional laser scanners with high-precision 2D movement are used, then imaging precision is improved, but device portability and ease of deployment are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the complex mechanical 2D movement system of traditional laser scanners by using a stationary camera mounted on a rigid structure. The camera remains fixed while the microarray slide is placed on a simple stage, replacing precision mechanical scanning with a static optical system that is much easier to transport and deploy in field settings
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the imaging function into a simple stationary camera component separated from the sample stage. This allows the camera to remain fixed and simple while the sample stage can be easily adjusted or replaced, enabling portability and ease of deployment without compromising imaging precision
3Measurement precision
If microarrays with multiple targets are used for high-specificity detection, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but the need for expensive specialized imaging equipment is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the imaging system universal by using a standard camera that can image any fluorescence-labeled microarray regardless of the specific targets or labels used. This single versatile imaging device replaces the need for multiple specialized instruments, allowing the same system to detect various pathogens and biomarkers through simple filter changes rather than requiring different expensive specialized equipment for each application
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 portable imaging systems provide a cost-effective, high-resolution, and efficient means for large-scale protein detection, enhancing public health protection by enabling rapid and accurate diagnosis at the point of care, even in resource-limited settings.
Implementation Method 1
illumination can be from the bottom, top, or side at an angle (between about 0 to 90° to optical axis) with one or multiple light sources in the visible (between about 400 to 700 nm), near UV (between about 250 to 400 nm), and/or near IR (between about 700 to 1300 nm) range such as a light-emitting diode (LED) or a laser diode
Implementation Method 2
Alternatively to epi-illumination, a light sheet can be generated with a cylindrical lens at the focal plane of the detection lens for fluorescence excitation
Implementation Method 3
a camera for 2D image sensing that is either part of a mobile device or a stand-alone unit (see for example FIG. 1D, 5A, 14C)
Implementation Method 4
Transform Optical Energy to Electrical Energy
Implementation Method 5
one or multiple optical filters specific to the sample emission light
Implementation Method 6
a lens or lens system (and optionally the lens has a focal length of between about 1 to about 100 mm
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are processes, methods, kits, devices and software for testing and detecting proteins such as antigens, cytokines or antibodies, particles or cells in specimens of or samples from human or animals; and in alternative embodiments the protein are induced by or derived from viruses, bacteria, an immune system, a cancer cell or any cell which can cause a disease, infection or condition such as a COVID-19 infection. Provided are portable imaging systems comprising flat static surfaces or slides, wherein the flat static surfaces or slides can be fabricated as printed microarrays, or biochips that can support protein or bioparticle precipitates. Provided are portable imaging systems comprising imaging systems with light sheet illumination to image two dimensional (2D) planes in liquids to detect proteins, bioparticles, cells, and organisms. Portable imaging systems provided herein can be used for point-of-care diagnosis, immunity analysis, epidemiological surveillance, and therapeutics and vaccine development.