Target Cell Identification via Multi-Wavelength Phase Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for identifying target cells, such as fetus-derived nucleated red blood cells in maternal blood, are not robust and do not allow for high throughput without staining the specimen.
Innovation Solution
A method involving image acquisition with multiple light rays of different wavelengths to acquire phase difference images, selecting target cell candidates based on absorption coefficient differences, and sorting cells using brightness ratios between central and peripheral parts of the cells, without the need for staining.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional image acquisition methods are used without multiple wavelengths, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of target cell identification deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying the wavelength parameter of light to acquire phase difference images at multiple wavelengths. This enables the system to extract absorption coefficient information that distinguishes target cells from non-target cells, thereby improving identification reliability without requiring complex staining procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses absorption coefficient as an intermediary parameter to bridge the gap between simple phase difference imaging and complex cell identification. By calculating absorption coefficients from phase difference images at different wavelengths, the system can reliably identify target cells through brightness ratio analysis without direct staining
2Measurement precision
If staining is used to identify target cells, then the measurement precision is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by utilizing the inherent optical properties (absorption coefficients) of the cells themselves to perform identification. The target cells and non-target cells automatically exhibit different absorption characteristics at various wavelengths, eliminating the need for external staining agents and simplifying the operational procedure
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the wavelength parameter of incident light, the system can selectively probe different absorption characteristics of cellular components. This enables precise differentiation between target and non-target cells based on their natural optical properties without requiring staining procedures
3Reliability
If single wavelength imaging is used, then the productivity is maintained at high level, but the reliability of cell sorting deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action by sequentially acquiring phase difference images at multiple discrete wavelengths in a systematic sequence. This periodic wavelength scanning enables comprehensive absorption coefficient analysis while maintaining high throughput through automated image acquisition and processing
Solution Approach 2:
The system efficiently varies the wavelength parameter across multiple discrete values to extract sufficient absorption coefficient information for reliable cell sorting. By optimizing the number and distribution of wavelength points, the method achieves both high reliability and maintained productivity
4Reliability
If multiple wavelengths are used for image acquisition, then the reliability of target cell identification is improved, but the loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic action to systematically cycle through multiple wavelengths in an optimized sequence. This structured approach allows for efficient data acquisition by capturing essential absorption coefficient information at key wavelength points, balancing reliability improvement with time constraints
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial action by acquiring phase difference images at a selective set of wavelengths rather than continuously across the entire spectrum. This optimized wavelength sampling provides sufficient information for reliable identification while significantly reducing the total acquisition time compared to comprehensive spectral analysis
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 robust and high-throughput identification of target cells, such as nucleated red blood cells, from non-stained maternal blood samples, effectively distinguishing between target and non-target cells based on absorption coefficient differences and brightness ratios.
Implementation Method 1
selecting a plurality of target cell candidates from the specimen based on a difference in absorption coefficients with respect to a plurality of light rays having different wavelengths
Implementation Method 2
acquiring a plurality of phase difference images of the specimen with respect to a plurality of light rays having different wavelengths
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a robust and high throughput method for identifying a target cell and a target cell identification device. The method for identifying a target cell includes an image acquisition step of irradiating a specimen with a plurality of light rays having different wavelengths and acquiring a plurality of phase difference images of the specimen, a selection step of selecting a plurality of target cell candidates from the specimen based on a difference in absorption coefficients with respect to the plurality of light rays having different wavelengths, a brightness ratio acquisition step of acquiring brightness ratios between a central part and a peripheral part of each target cell candidate based on the plurality of phase difference images, and a sorting step of sorting a target cell and a non-target cell from the plurality of target cell candidates based on the brightness ratios.