Spatial Expression Mapping for Non-Destructive Tissue Profiling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for identifying biomarkers in tumor microenvironments require destructive tissue sampling, leading to loss of spatial information and errors in image registration and interpretation.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for spatially mapping biological expressions in tissue samples using non-destructive techniques, enabling high-plex, high-throughput analysis of protein and mRNA expressions through imaging and digital quantification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If fluorescence and bright-field imaging are used to provide visual maps of biomarkers, then spatial information is preserved, but multiple rounds of immunostaining and imaging are required which causes sample degradation and errors in image registration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing all immunostaining and imaging operations in a single round before sample degradation occurs. The system captures multiple fluorophore signals simultaneously in one experiment rather than requiring sequential imaging rounds, thereby preventing sample degradation and maintaining image registration accuracy throughout the imaging process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple imaging functions into a single experiment by simultaneously capturing multiple fluorophore signals. The system combines multi-color fluorescence imaging with bright-field imaging in one experimental run, eliminating the need for separate imaging rounds and preventing the accumulation of registration errors that would occur with sequential imaging.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple rounds of immunostaining and imaging are performed on the same sample, then comprehensive biomarker profiling is achieved, but the sample degrades over time leading to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs all necessary immunostaining and imaging operations in a single preliminary round before sample degradation can occur. The system is designed to capture comprehensive biomarker profiles through simultaneous multi-fluorophore detection, eliminating the need for repeated sampling and imaging that would compromise sample integrity and measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses fluorescently labeled antibodies as proxies for direct biomarker detection. Instead of requiring multiple physical samples or repeated invasive procedures, the system creates optical copies of biomarker signals through fluorescence labeling, allowing comprehensive profiling from a single preserved tissue section.
3Measurement precision
If destructive tissue sampling is used to identify biomarkers, then biomarker identification is achieved, but spatial information is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces destructive mechanical tissue processing with optical detection methods. Instead of homogenizing tissue samples for bulk analysis, the system uses fluorescence microscopy to detect biomarker signals in situ, preserving the spatial architecture of tissues while achieving sensitive biomarker identification through optical signal detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses color changes in fluorescent signals to encode different biomarker identities and expression levels. Each fluorophore emits a characteristic color or wavelength that corresponds to a specific biomarker, allowing simultaneous detection of multiple biomarkers with high precision while preserving their spatial locations within the tissue architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, apparatuses and methods for spatially mapping at least one biological expression of a target biological component contained in a tissue sample to an image of the tissue sample are provided. In some embodiments, the system includes a processor and instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the system to display, in a first display, a scans pane including at least the image of the tissue sample, the image including at least one demarcation corresponding to a region-of-interest (ROI(s)), where the ROI(s) correspond to a portion of the tissue within the tissue image. The instructions are further configured to cause the system to display, in a second display, a visualization pane including a visualization of the biological expression contained in the ROI(s); and to augment the first display by coding the ROI(s) in the tissue image to show the spatial mapping of the biological expression within the ROI(s).