Ratiometric Cytometry for Blue-Green Algae Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current flow cytometry systems are inadequate for detecting blue-green algae at low concentrations and early stages due to particle size limitations and inefficient fluorescence emission collection, leading to inconclusive results in identifying the algae before it becomes a noticeable problem in drinking water.
Innovation Solution
A cytometer system with detectors configured to detect two different fluorescence ranges, allowing larger particles to pass through and utilizing high-resolution imaging and computing algorithms to identify blue-green algae based on phycocyanin to chlorophyll b ratios and image matching with a library of known images, enhancing accuracy and sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional flow cytometry systems are used, then particle detection is possible, but particles greater than 60 micrometers will clog the nozzle and cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the flow nozzle component entirely from the system, replacing it with a flow chamber that has no upper particle size limit. This extraction of the limiting component allows blue-green algae clumps and particles up to 2000 micrometers to pass through without clogging, while maintaining detection capability through alternative particle delivery mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of forcing particles through a restricted nozzle opening, the system inverts the approach by using a wide-opening flow chamber where particles flow freely, and detection is achieved through optical interrogation of particles in the flow stream rather than through nozzle-based flow cytometry.
2Quantity of substance
If bulk measurement technology is used, then detection can occur, but only when a minimum amount of algae exists in the fluid
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces bulk measurement technology with particle-by-particle flow analysis using a flow chamber and optical detection system. This substitution enables the detection and counting of individual blue-green algae cells and small clumps, providing sensitive detection at low concentrations rather than requiring bulk quantity thresholds.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary particle delivery and optical interrogation in a controlled flow chamber environment before final detection and analysis. This preliminary action in the flow chamber allows for optimal positioning and illumination of individual particles, enhancing detection sensitivity at low concentrations.
3Measurement precision
If conventional flow cytometry is used, then fluorescence emission can be detected, but collection of fluorescence emissions is less than optimum resulting in inconclusive resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from point-based nozzle detection to a two-dimensional flow chamber detection plane, allowing optical systems to collect fluorescence emissions from a larger area and multiple particles simultaneously. This dimensional change improves both detection accuracy and collection efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow chamber serves multiple functions: particle delivery, flow control, and optical interrogation. This multi-functionality allows the same structure to optimize both particle throughput and fluorescence emission collection, improving overall system efficiency and resolution.
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 system provides more accurate and sensitive detection of blue-green algae by ensuring all particles enter the field of view, improving identification through fluorescence ratios and image comparison, and enabling detection of smaller or weaker fluorescent particles, thus preventing water quality deterioration.
Implementation Method 1
a laser beam may excite the sample that is present in the bore of the capillary, with the emitted fluorescence energy representing the signal information
Implementation Method 2
detectors configured to detect two different ranges of fluorescence produced by particles
Data Source
AI summary
A particle detection system with a detection mechanism that includes detectors positioned to detect two different ranges of fluorescence produced by particles in the fluid in a flow chamber. Each of the detectors is arranged to generating a trigger signal whenever fluorescence is detected. The system and related method enhance the accuracy and sensitivity of blue-green algae monitoring by utilizing imaging flow cytometry combined with particle analysis and the measurement of the ratio of each particle's phycocyanin to chlorophyll b detected by using the two detectors configured for detection of two different fluorescence ranges, one associated with the phycocyanin and the other associated with the chlorophyll b. Captured images are be used in comparison to known images of a library of images using a support vector machine classifier.