Multimodal Cell Measurement via SMR and Optical Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring cancer biomarkers after treatment lack precision, leading to ineffective therapeutic choices due to the inability to accurately predict individual patient responses, and traditional methods do not provide multimodal measurements necessary for precise cellular analysis.
Innovation Solution
The development of measurement devices that combine suspended microchannel resonators (SMR) with other sensors to perform multimodal measurements, allowing for the precise measurement of cellular properties such as mass, velocity, and optical properties, enabling the tracking and classification of individual cells and correlation of data from multiple sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional methods are used for measuring cancer biomarkers, then the measurement process is simple, but the measurement precision is insufficient to drive therapeutic choice
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor modalities (SMR mass sensor, optical sensor, impedance sensor) into a single integrated measurement device. This merging of different sensing technologies enables simultaneous multimodal measurements on individual cells, achieving high measurement precision for therapeutic decision-making while managing device complexity through integrated design
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement device is designed with multi-functionality, capable of performing various types of measurements (mass, optical properties, impedance) on different cell types and biomarkers. This universal approach allows a single device to address multiple measurement needs in cancer diagnostics and treatment monitoring, improving precision without requiring separate specialized devices for each measurement type
2Measurement precision
If single cell resolution measurements are obtained using SMR, then measurement precision is improved, but the ability to perform multimodal measurements is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the SMR mass sensor with additional sensor modalities (optical sensors for imaging and fluorescence, impedance sensors) in close proximity, allowing simultaneous measurement of multiple cell properties at single-cell resolution. This combination enables multimodal measurements including mass, optical characteristics, and electrical impedance on individual cells
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces flow velocity measurement as an intermediary parameter that links measurements from different sensor modalities. By measuring and using flow velocity to correlate data from SMR, optical sensors, and impedance sensors, the system achieves synchronized multimodal measurements on the same individual cells, enhancing both precision and versatility
3Loss of information
If cells are tracked through the measurement device, then data correlation between sensors is improved, but the complexity of tracking and velocity determination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where flow velocity measurements from optical sensors are used to adjust and correlate data from SMR and impedance sensors. The system continuously monitors cell position and velocity, using this feedback to synchronize measurements across different modalities and ensure accurate data correlation for each tracked cell
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement device uses the cells' own flow through the system as the tracking mechanism. By measuring flow velocity directly from the cell movement through the device and using this self-generated information to correlate data across sensors, the system achieves improved data correlation without requiring external complex tracking infrastructure
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
This approach provides high-precision, multimodal measurements that improve the accuracy of therapeutic choices and predictive capabilities for patient responses, enabling real-time monitoring of cancer treatment effectiveness and recurrence.
Implementation Method 1
A sensor, such as a brightfield imager placed in series with the SMR, provides data to a classifier that identifies a particle that has flowed, or will flow, through an SMR
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides devices and methods for linked multimodal measurements of individual particles using a mass sensor and an additional sensor.