Spatial Sequencing Using Location-Specific and Multiple-Location Markers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing spatial-sequencing methods are limited in their ability to efficiently associate analytes from a sample with location-specific markers and multiple-location markers, which hinders precise spatial analysis.

Innovation Solution

A spatial-sequencing method that involves causing analytes from a sample to bind to location-specific markers and multiple-location markers, where each analyte type corresponds to a specific analyte type, and each marker type is associated with distinct locations and marker types, respectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If existing spatial-sequencing methods are used to associate analytes with location-specific markers, then the basic spatial sequencing function is achieved, but the efficiency and precision of spatial analysis are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveefficiency of spatial analysisVSAvoidprecision of analyte position determination
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the spatial sequencing process into distinct functional segments: location-specific markers (LSMs) for initial spatial tagging, multiple-location markers (MLMs) for cross-location association, analyte binding, and computational spatial reconstruction. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, improving both efficiency through parallel processing and precision through multi-stage verification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces multiple-location markers as intermediary elements that bridge multiple locations simultaneously. These MLMs act as mediators between different spatial locations and analytes, enabling efficient cross-location associations and improving the precision of spatial analysis by providing multiple reference points for accurate position determination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If multiple-location markers are introduced to improve spatial analysis precision, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of spatial analysisVSAvoidcomplexity of marker system
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The multiple-location markers are designed with universal functionality to associate with multiple different location-specific markers across different locations. Each MLM serves multiple purposes: it acts as a spatial reference, enables cross-location associations, and provides multi-point verification for position determination. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components, thereby managing system complexity while improving precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs parameter changes in the marker system design, where markers are characterized by specific parameters such as location coordinates, marker types, and association strengths. By systematically varying these parameters across different marker instances, the system achieves high measurement precision through computational analysis of parameter patterns, avoiding the need for overly complex physical structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 method enables precise spatial analysis by effectively associating analytes with location-specific and multiple-location markers, allowing for the determination of analyte positions and abundances at specific locations within a sample.

Implementation Method 1

causing the plurality of analytes to bind to the respective location-specific markers

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBinding: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentUS20250188535A1Spatial-sequencing methods
Publication Date: 2025.06.12 THE UNIV OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
  • US20250188535A1 patent drawing
  • US20250188535A1 patent drawing
  • US20250188535A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Spatial-sequencing methods are disclosed.