Quantum Dot Fluorescence Tracking for Mouse Skeletal Movement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for measuring movement in mice, particularly in freely moving animals, are challenged by the obscuring effects of fur and soft tissues, which hinder direct measurement of skeletal dynamics, crucial for neuroscience studies.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating fluorescent quantum dots, specifically injected into key locations of mice, and using near-infrared cameras to capture and track their fluorescence, enabling accurate 3D reconstruction of skeletal movements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If machine-learning based approaches are used to measure movement in mice, then movement quantification is enabled, but direct measurement of skeletal dynamics is not achieved due to obscuration by fur and soft tissues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveskeletal dynamics measurementVSAvoidskeletal movement detection

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

Fluorescent markers are introduced as intermediary elements that attach to skeletal structures, serving as mediators between the imaging system and the skeleton. These markers emit fluorescent signals that can be detected through fur and soft tissues, enabling indirect but accurate measurement of skeletal dynamics without direct visual access to the bone structures themselves

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention utilizes fluorescent markers that exhibit specific optical properties - they absorb light at one wavelength and emit at a different wavelength (fluorescence emission). This color/wavelength transformation allows the imaging system to detect skeletal movements by capturing the fluorescent signals from markers, which penetrate through the obscuring fur and soft tissues that block visible light

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

2Measurement precision

If fluorescent markers are injected into mice to enable skeletal tracking, then direct skeletal measurement is achieved, but the complexity of the measurement system increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveskeletal dynamics measurementVSAvoidmeasurement system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces complex mechanical or invasive skeletal measurement systems with a simplified fluorescent optical system. Instead of attaching physical sensors to bones or using invasive imaging techniques, the system uses fluorescent markers excited by light sources and detected by cameras, substituting mechanical complexity with optical simplicity while maintaining measurement precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical 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 high-resolution, non-invasive tracking of skeletal dynamics in mice, allowing for detailed analysis of movement patterns and potential insights into neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's and Huntington's disease.

Implementation Method 1

the fluorescent particle is a quantum dot. In some embodiments of the present invention, the quantum dot emits at an excitation wavelength from about 700 nm to about 850 nm

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluorescence: Fluorescence

Data Source

PatentUS20250325190A1Methods of measuring fluorescence and capturing movement in animals

Publication Date: 2025.10.23 GEORGIA TECH RES CORP

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to methods of administering fluorescent particles to animal and for measuring the location of the fluorescent particles within an animal over time.