Single Molecule Analyzer for Protein Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting protein molecules at low concentrations in blood samples are not sensitive enough to accurately determine their presence or absence, especially in biomedical research and medical diagnostics.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the extraction of serum or plasma from blood, contacting it with a selective capture agent, adding fluorescent labels, removing unbound labels, and using a single molecule analyzer with a laser and detection channel to detect the fluorescent labels, allowing for ultra-sensitive detection and quantitation of protein molecules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional detection methods are used for protein molecules in blood samples, then the analysis process is simple, but the sensitivity is insufficient to accurately detect proteins at low concentrations
Solution Approach 1:
The detection process is segmented into distinct functional stages: sample processing (extraction, capture, labeling), sample delivery (automated sampling system), and detection (single molecule analyzer with laser excitation). This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, achieving high sensitivity through specialized reagents and procedures while managing overall system complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
Fluorescent labels serve as intermediaries between the target protein molecules and the detection system. The labels are added to proteins during sample processing, enabling detection through fluorescence excitation by laser. This intermediary approach amplifies the signal from individual protein molecules, significantly improving detection sensitivity without requiring direct interaction between the complex detection apparatus and the target analyte.
2Productivity
If automated sampling systems are implemented, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated sampling system merges multiple functions into a single integrated platform: sample extraction, capture agent incubation, fluorescent label addition, unbound label removal, and single molecule detection. By combining these previously separate steps into one automated workflow, the system achieves high productivity while the integrated design manages complexity through unified hardware and software control.
Solution Approach 2:
The sampling system is designed to perform its own operations automatically without manual intervention. The automated sampler sequentially delivers processed samples from multiwell containers through flow channels to the detection channel, manages reagent addition, and controls the analysis sequence. This self-service capability significantly improves productivity by eliminating manual sampling steps while the automated control system manages the inherent complexity.
3Measurement precision
If single molecule detection is used, then measurement precision improves, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection method utilizes fluorescence emission (light emission) from fluorescent labels as a detectable signal. When laser excitation illuminates fluorescently labeled proteins in the detection channel, the labels emit light at specific wavelengths. This optical signal transformation from invisible protein molecules to detectable light emission greatly simplifies the measurement process while maintaining single-molecule detection precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system changes the detection parameter from direct mass or size measurement to optical signal detection. By converting the presence of protein molecules into fluorescent signal intensity through laser excitation, the system transforms a difficult physical measurement problem into a relatively straightforward optical detection task. The fluorescent signal provides a clear, quantifiable parameter that easily distinguishes present from absent protein molecules at single-molecule levels.
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 the sensitive detection and quantitation of protein molecules at very low concentrations, improving the accuracy of biomedical research and medical diagnostics.
Implementation Method 1
adding a plurality of fluorescent labels specific for the protein molecule, where one of the fluorescent labels and the protein molecule associate to form a protein-label complex
Implementation Method 2
the analyzer comprises a laser for providing excitation light, where the light is within the wavelengths to which the detection channel is substantially transparent
Data Source
AI summary
The invention encompasses analyzers and analyzer systems that include a single particle analyzer, methods of using the analyzers and analyzers systems to analyze samples, either for single particles, e.g., protein molecules, or for multiple particles (multiplexing), methods of doing business based on the use of the analyzers or analyzer systems of the system, and electronic media for storing parameters useful in the analyzers and analyzer systems of the invention.