Smartphone Biosensing Cradle Multiplexing Spectroscopy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Smartphone-based IVD detection instruments are limited to single-type analysis and have limited multiplexing capabilities, lacking the versatility of laboratory-based microplate readers that can transition between different spectroscopic modalities.
Innovation Solution
A smartphone-based system that operates in multiple spectral modalities, including transmission, reflectance, intensity, and scattered light spectroscopy modes, using a cradle apparatus with optical fibers and a wavelength-dispersive element to couple the smartphone's light source and image sensor with sample cartridges, allowing for various modes of operation and multiplexing through video-based data collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If smartphone-based IVD detection instruments are used, then portability and ease of operation are improved, but the versatility and adaptability of the instrument are worsened due to limitation to single-type analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal detection platform that can perform multiple spectroscopic modalities (absorption, fluorescence, luminescence, reflectance, scattered light) using a single smartphone-based instrument. The system achieves this through interchangeable optical components and a common detection pathway that can be configured for different assay types, eliminating the need for multiple specialized devices while maintaining portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic reconfiguration of optical components to switch between different detection modalities. Optical elements such as filters, mirrors, and light sources can be dynamically adjusted or replaced based on the required assay type, allowing the instrument to adapt its functionality while maintaining a compact portable form factor.
2Adaptability or versatility
If laboratory-based microplate readers are used, then the versatility and adaptability for multiple spectroscopic modalities are improved, but the device complexity and cost are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential detection functionality from complex laboratory instruments and consolidates it into a smartphone-based platform. By removing unnecessary complexity and retaining only the core optical detection pathways, the system achieves multiple spectroscopic modalities with significantly reduced device complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses interchangeable optical components and adapters as intermediaries between the smartphone's camera and various assay formats. These intermediary elements enable different spectroscopic modalities without requiring the smartphone itself to be complex, simplifying the overall instrument design while maintaining versatility.
3Ease of manufacture
If smartphone-based detection is used, then the cost and accessibility are improved, but the measurement precision and sensitivity are worsened compared to conventional laboratory instruments
Solution Approach 1:
The system optimizes detection parameters such as exposure time, gain, and optical path configuration to maximize the sensitivity of the smartphone camera for different assay types. By carefully adjusting these parameters and using appropriate optical components, the system achieves laboratory-grade detection limits with a low-cost portable platform.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical scanning systems and precision alignment mechanisms with smartphone-based digital imaging and software processing. This substitution maintains measurement precision while dramatically reducing device complexity and cost, making high-performance detection accessible in resource-limited settings.
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 smartphone to perform a range of diagnostic assays with sensitivity comparable to conventional laboratory instruments, facilitating the transition of laboratory-grade tests to point-of-care settings and supporting multiplexing of samples, thereby expanding the capabilities of smartphone-based biosensing.
Implementation Method 1
a wavelength-dispersive element coupled to the structural support such that the wavelength-dispersive element is optically coupled to the image sensor
Implementation Method 2
a first optical fiber having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the first optical fiber is coupled to the structural support such that the proximal end of the first optical fiber is optically coupled to the cartridge slot via a first illumination optical path
Implementation Method 3
The apparatus is operable in at least a transmission spectroscopy mode
Implementation Method 4
a reflection spectroscopy mode
Implementation Method 5
an intensity spectroscopy mode, and a scattered light spectroscopy mode... a second light source coupled to the structural support such that the second light source is optically coupled to the cartridge slot via a second illumination optical path, wherein the second illumination optical path is substantially orthogonal to the collection optical path
Implementation Method 6
a scattered light spectroscopy mode
Data Source
AI summary
A smartphone is optically coupled to an apparatus that can operate in multiple modes to perform transmission, reflectance, intensity, or scattered light spectroscopy on a sample provided, in an appropriately configured sample cartridge. The apparatus includes a first illumination optical path for illuminating the sample, with light from a light source, on the smartphone for transmission, reflectance, and scattered light spectroscopy. The apparatus also includes a second illumination optical path for illuminating the sample with light from a laser diode for intensity spectroscopy. The apparatus farther includes a collection optical path for collecting light from the sample in each of the modes. An image sensor on the smartphone receives the collected light via a diffraction grating to obtain a spectrum image. The first illumination optical path is substantially parallel to the collection optical path, whereas the second illumination optical path is substantially orthogonal to the collection path.