SPR Imaging Characterization Without Steady State Equilibrium

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for characterizing target compounds in fluid samples using surface plasmon resonance imaging require achieving a steady state of adsorption/desorption equilibrium, which is time-consuming and complex, especially when the concentration of target compounds is not constant.

Innovation Solution

A method involving an analysis system with a measurement chamber and sensitive sites, where measurement signals are determined and normalized over time until a stability criterion is met, allowing for characterization without the need for a steady state equilibrium, using techniques like SPR imaging or electromechanical resonators.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If surface plasmon resonance imaging is used to characterize target compounds, then measurement precision is improved, but the time required to reach steady state equilibrium increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharacterization accuracyVSAvoidtime to reach steady state

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-processing the optical signals through normalization and reference subtraction before analysis. The measurement signals are normalized by dividing by reference signals obtained in advance, and the system performs real-time signal processing to prepare the data for characterization. This preliminary preparation of signals allows the system to extract meaningful characterization data without waiting for complete steady state equilibrium, thereby reducing the time loss while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If steady state equilibrium is required for characterization, then measurement reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharacterization reliabilityVSAvoidfluid supply system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical control system required to maintain steady state equilibrium with an optical signal processing system. Instead of using complex fluid supply devices to control and maintain constant concentrations, the invention uses optical measurement and signal processing techniques to characterize target compounds during transient states. The SPR imaging system captures optical signals that reflect the dynamic interaction states, and signal processing algorithms extract reliable characterization data without requiring mechanical control of equilibrium conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If real-time characterization is performed without steady state, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharacterization speedVSAvoidcharacterization accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback through continuous optical monitoring and real-time signal processing. The SPR imaging system continuously captures optical signals from the sensor surface, and the system processes these signals in real-time through normalization and reference subtraction. This continuous feedback loop allows the system to track the dynamic interaction between target compounds and receptors, extracting meaningful characterization data at any point during the measurement process, thereby maintaining precision while improving productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Reliability

If steady state equilibrium is maintained, then interaction pattern reliability is improved, but the ability to characterize non-constant concentrations deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinteraction pattern reliabilityVSAvoidhandling variable concentrations

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by characterizing target compounds during transient states rather than requiring static equilibrium. The system captures optical signals that reflect the dynamic interaction processes between target compounds and receptors on the sensor surface. By analyzing the temporal evolution of these signals and using normalization techniques, the system extracts reliable interaction patterns that are valid for both constant and variable concentration conditions, thereby improving adaptability while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3906402B1Method for characterising target compounds

Publication Date: 2022.12.07 ARYBALLE TECH

Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3

AI summary

Disclosed is a method for characterising target compounds, using an analysing system comprising a measurement chamber (4) intended to receive the target compounds contained in a fluid sample, wherein a plurality of separate sensitive sites (6), each comprising receivers able to interact with the target compounds, is located in said chamber, the method comprising the following steps: o supplying (100) a fluid sample; o determining (200) a measurement signal Sk(ti) representative of the interactions between the target compounds and the receivers; o computing (400) a normed vector Sn(ti); o reiterating (500) the determining and computing steps, while incrementing the measurement time, until a stability criterion is met, so as to obtain a characterisation (600) of the target compounds from the normed vector Sn(ti).