Contact-Type Endoscope SERS Probe for Non-Invasive Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Raman scattering techniques have poor sensitivity, requiring samples to be physically biopsied and placed between a Raman spectrometer and a nanorough metallic surface for surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) imaging, which is invasive and limits in vivo applications.
Innovation Solution
A contact-type endoscope SERS probe is developed, featuring a gradient-index (GRIN) lens, a transparent substrate with a rough metallic layer, and an articulated arm for reflecting light, allowing the probe to be placed in contact with the sample, enhancing Raman signals without the need for biopsy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional Raman scattering techniques are used, then the measurement can be performed without biopsy, but the sensitivity is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the GRIN lens and rough metallic layer into a single integrated probe structure that can be directly contacted with the sample. This merging of optical focusing and SERS enhancement functions into one device eliminates the need for separate biopsy procedures while achieving both high sensitivity and non-invasive operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The rough metallic layer acts as an intermediary between the GRIN lens and the sample. It receives focused light from the lens and provides SERS enhancement to molecules in contact with its surface, enabling sensitive detection without requiring the sample to be placed between a spectrometer and metallic surface through biopsy.
2Measurement precision
If the sample is placed between the Raman spectrometer and the nanorough metallic surface, then SERS imaging can be achieved, but the sample must be biopsied
Solution Approach 1:
The probe is designed to be self-contained with the rough metallic layer already attached to the GRIN lens. The probe itself serves as both the focusing element and the SERS enhancer, eliminating the need for external biopsy procedures to position the sample correctly. The system performs the sample acquisition and measurement functions in a single non-invasive contact.
3Ease of operation
If a contact-type endoscope probe is used, then non-invasive in vivo imaging is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the GRIN lens and rough metallic layer into a single integrated probe structure. This combination reduces the number of separate components that need to be aligned and positioned, thereby managing device complexity while achieving non-invasive in vivo access.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe utilizes a thin transparent substrate to bond the rough metallic layer to the GRIN lens. This thin film approach maintains optical transparency while providing mechanical support, simplifying the overall probe structure compared to more complex rigid assemblies.
4Measurement precision
If the rough metallic layer is adhered to the transparent substrate, then SERS enhancement is achieved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs aluminum foil as a disposable, low-cost substrate that is easily etched to create the rough metallic surface. This approach reduces manufacturing precision requirements compared to working with precious metals or complex substrate structures, while still achieving effective SERS enhancement.
Solution Approach 2:
The manufacturing process involves etching the aluminum foil to change its surface parameters from smooth to rough. This parameter change creates the necessary nanoroughness for SERS enhancement without requiring extremely precise control during fabrication, as the roughness is generated through the etching process rather than requiring precision machining.
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 non-invasive in vivo SERS imaging with significantly enhanced Raman signals, facilitating minimal invasive clinical applications and allowing access to molecular information from one side of a solid specimen.
Implementation Method 1
The GRIN lens focuses light from a Raman spectrometer onto the rough metallic layer
Implementation Method 2
The GRIN lens focuses the illumination light from the Raman spectrometer onto the rough metallic layer
Implementation Method 3
Placing the nanorough metallic surface close to the sample can greatly enhance the Raman signal
Implementation Method 4
Raman spectroscopy (RS) is particularly interesting because it does not require flourophores
Implementation Method 5
a transparent substrate adhered to the GRIN lens
Implementation Method 6
an articulated arm comprising a plurality of mirrors for reflecting illumination light from the Raman spectrometer to the probe, and for reflecting scattered light from the probe to the Raman spectrometer
Data Source
AI summary
A contact-type endoscope surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) probe includes a gradient-index (GRIN) lens, a transparent substrate adhered to the GRIN lens, and a rough metallic layer adhered to an opposite side of the transparent substrate from the GRIN lens. The GRIN lens focuses light from a Raman spectrometer onto the rough metallic layer, and the rough metallic layer is positioned at the distal end of the contact-type endoscope SERS probe.