Time-Resolved Optical Probes for High-Concentration Analyte Measurement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing scientific instruments face challenges in measuring analytes with high specificity, high concentration, and rapid speed, particularly in fluids where the analyte concentration can saturate the immobilization capacity of probes.
Innovation Solution
The development of instruments and methods that utilize probes to detect analyte concentration by immobilizing a portion of the analyte on the probe and measuring the variation of optical signals over time, allowing for real-time detection and control of bioprocessing systems through automated feedback mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional instruments are used to measure analyte concentration, then measurement can be performed, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate at high concentrations due to probe saturation
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement process is segmented into multiple time points during the immobilization phase. Instead of relying on a single equilibrium measurement that fails at high concentrations, the system captures signal variations at multiple time points (e.g., t1, t2, t3) before equilibrium is reached. This temporal segmentation allows the system to extract concentration information from the rate of signal change rather than the final signal value, thereby maintaining measurement precision and reliability even when the probe's immobilization capacity is exceeded.
2Measurement precision
If probes are used to detect analyte concentration, then measurement can be performed, but measurement speed decreases due to the time required for analyte immobilization and signal stabilization
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary measurements at multiple time points during the immobilization process before equilibrium is fully established. By capturing signal data at intermediate time points (t1, t2, t3) rather than waiting for complete stabilization, the system obtains sufficient information to calculate analyte concentration. This preliminary action approach reduces the total measurement time while maintaining precision, as the system does not need to wait for the complete immobilization process to finish before making a measurement.
3Extent of automation
If automated feedback control is implemented, then bioprocessing control is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automated feedback control by continuously monitoring analyte concentration through optical signal measurements and using this information to adjust bioprocessing parameters. The controller receives real-time concentration data from the detector and automatically modifies process conditions (such as flow rate, mixing intensity, or reagent addition) to maintain optimal processing conditions. This feedback mechanism enhances bioprocessing automation while managing complexity through integrated control algorithms that process the multi-time-point measurement data.
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 rapid and precise measurement of analyte concentrations, even at saturation levels, facilitating automated monitoring and control of bioprocessing operations, reducing the need for manual intervention and enhancing measurement efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The optical signal comprises light reflected from an interface internal to the probe and light reflected from the end of the probe
Implementation Method 2
detecting a variation of an optical signal over the first period of time
Data Source
AI summary
Instruments and associated methods are generally provided. Advantageously, some instruments described herein may be capable of and/or configured to detect a concentration of an analyte in a fluid that is flowing, in a fluid that includes a high concentration of an analyte, and/or in multiple fluids and/or samples of a fluid in rapid succession. Some methods may comprise detecting a concentration of an analyte that is advantageous for one or more of the aforementioned reasons.