SERS Analysis System for Extracellular Vesicle Biomarker Co-localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for analyzing extracellular vesicles (EVs) in biological samples, particularly for cancer diagnosis and prognosis, face challenges due to the small size of EVs, which makes them difficult to observe with ordinary optical microscopes, and the complexity of interpreting multiple fluorescent markers for co-localization analysis.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented analysis system and method that processes fluorescence images of EVs labeled with multiple biomarkers, using a processor with elements for data analysis, ranging and scaling, threshold adjustment, and selection of displayed biomarkers and co-localization combinations, to provide intuitive and informative graphical displays of biomarker expression and co-localization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If fluorescence microscopy is used to observe small EVs, then EVs become observable, but fluorescence intensity is weak and observation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameter of light interaction by using surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) instead of conventional fluorescence microscopy. SERS utilizes plasmonic enhancement from metallic substrates to dramatically amplify the weak Raman signals from small EVs, solving the low fluorescence intensity problem while maintaining observability of sub-200 nm EVs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the fluorescence detection mechanism with Raman scattering detection enhanced by surface plasmons. This substitution eliminates the need for fluorescent labeling and provides inherently higher signal intensity for small EVs without requiring complex optical setups for fluorescence microscopy.
2Loss of information
If multiple fluorescent markers are combined for co-localization analysis, then information about different EV components is obtained, but complexity of display and analysis increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the analysis process into distinct functional modules: (1) SERS signal acquisition for each biomarker, (2) individual biomarker detection and quantification, (3) co-localization calculation, and (4) hierarchical data presentation. This segmentation allows complex multi-biomarker analysis to be broken down into manageable steps, reducing overall system complexity while preserving comprehensive information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional fluorescence image overlay to multi-dimensional SERS spectral analysis. By using spectral fingerprints in the frequency domain and combining with spatial information, the system can distinguish multiple biomarkers without the visual complexity of overlapping fluorescent colors, providing clearer data presentation and simpler interpretation.
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 enables efficient analysis and visualization of biomarker expression and co-localization in EVs, facilitating diagnosis, characterization, prognosis, and treatment monitoring of cancers, while simplifying the interpretation of complex data for clinicians and researchers.
Implementation Method 1
Fluorescence microscopy is one way to make single EVs observable
Data Source
AI summary
An analysis system for biomarkers expression is provided. This system is particularly useful for viewing biomarker expression on extracellular vesicles. The system includes an analysis element, a ranging and scaling element, an adjustment element, and a selection element. There provides a display that is configured to display a data of biomarkers expression in one or more graphs.