Shielding Element Mitigates Photodamage in Luminescent Sequencing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current instruments for massively-parallel biological or chemical sample analysis are limited by their large size, lack of portability, requirement for skilled operation, high power consumption, and high cost, making them unsuitable for point-of-care applications and resulting in long wait times for analysis results.
Innovation Solution
An integrated device with a photodetection region and charge storage region configured to analyze samples using luminescent labels, where a shielding element is disposed between the reagent and the label to mitigate photodamage, allowing for the measurement of emission light characteristics such as wavelength, intensity, lifetime, pulse duration, and interpulse duration for efficient and accurate sample analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If luminescent labels are used for sample analysis, then measurement precision is improved, but photodamage to the reagent occurs
Solution Approach 1:
A shielding element is positioned between the luminescent label and the reagent to block harmful light from reaching the reagent. This intermediary component allows the luminescent label to emit light for detection while preventing photodamage to the reagent, thereby maintaining both measurement precision and reagent integrity.
2Measurement precision
If conventional analysis instruments are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device size and portability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional components (light source, sample chamber, detection system, and shielding elements) are integrated into a single compact device. This merging of functions maintains measurement precision while significantly reducing device size and improving portability for point-of-care applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs a nested structure where the sample chamber is positioned within the housing, the shielding element is integrated within the chamber structure, and detection components are embedded in the housing. This nesting approach maximizes functional density while minimizing overall device footprint.
3Measurement precision
If conventional analysis instruments are used, then measurement precision is improved, but wait time for results is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables continuous measurement by using photodetectors that continuously detect luminescent emission from the sample. The integrated design allows immediate analysis without sample transfer or preparation steps, providing rapid results while maintaining measurement precision.
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 compact, portable, and user-friendly analysis of samples, reducing wait times and improving the accuracy of genetic sequencing and other biological analyses by effectively utilizing luminescent labels and shielding elements to enhance data collection from samples.
Implementation Method 1
at least one photodetection region configured to generate charge carriers responsive to incident photons emitted from a sample
Implementation Method 2
a sample that emits emission light in response to excitation light
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for multi-dimensional signal analysis are described herein. The techniques may be used in one or more sequencing applications. For example, according to some aspects, there is provided a method comprising: determining information about a sample that emits emission light in response to excitation light based on at least one of pulse duration and interpulse duration and at least two of wavelength, intensity, and lifetime of the emission light, wherein the sample comprises a reagent configured to be coupled to a luminescent label, and wherein a shielding element is disposed between the reagent and the luminescent label.