Upconversion Nanoparticle Bio-Sensing Device for Miniaturized Live Cell Analysis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical bio-sensing devices face challenges in miniaturization and sensitivity due to the need for complex and expensive equipment, as well as potential damage to biological samples from excitation light, particularly in the ultraviolet region, which limits their application in live cell analysis.
Innovation Solution
An optical bio-sensing device utilizing upconversion nanoparticles and retroreflection particles that selectively reflect converted light of a shorter wavelength, allowing for miniaturized and sensitive bio-material analysis without the need for sophisticated optical equipment, while minimizing interference from near-infrared excitation light and preventing sample denaturation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional fluorescent dyes are used for optical analysis, then signal detection is achieved, but the equipment size increases due to requirements for halogen lamps and monochromators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the excitation wavelength parameter from visible/ultraviolet region to near-infrared region by using upconversion nanoparticles. This parameter change allows the use of simpler light sources (laser diodes) and eliminates the need for complex monochromators, thereby reducing equipment size while maintaining detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the monochromator component from the optical system by using upconversion nanoparticles that naturally provide wavelength conversion. This extraction removes the need for complex wavelength selection mechanisms, simplifying the overall device structure
2Illumination intensity
If ultraviolet excitation light is used for fluorescence analysis, then signal intensity is improved, but biological samples suffer from denaturation and destruction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces upconversion nanoparticles as an intermediary between the near-infrared light source and the fluorescent dye. These nanoparticles absorb low-energy near-infrared photons and convert them to high-energy visible/ultraviolet photons that excite the fluorescent dye, thereby enabling strong signal generation without direct exposure of samples to damaging ultraviolet light
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful ultraviolet excitation light into a beneficial indirect excitation mechanism. By using upconversion nanoparticles to generate ultraviolet photons only at the nanoparticle location, the system achieves effective fluorescent excitation while preventing bulk ultraviolet exposure that would cause sample denaturation
3Measurement precision
If fluorescent dyes are used for analysis, then optical signal detection is achieved, but photobleaching and self-quenching reduce signal stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses upconversion nanoparticles as a protective intermediary that absorbs the excitation energy and transfers it to fluorescent dyes through controlled energy transfer. This intermediary role protects the fluorescent dyes from direct exposure to high-intensity excitation light, reducing photobleaching and self-quenching effects while maintaining efficient signal generation
4Measurement precision
If complex optical systems are designed for upconversion emission observation, then detection capability is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by using near-infrared excitation instead of visible/ultraviolet excitation. This inversion leverages the transparency of biological tissues to near-infrared light and the unique upconversion properties of the nanoparticles, enabling simplified optical paths without requiring complex wavelength selection and separation systems
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 quantitative analysis of bio-materials with improved sensitivity and reduced equipment complexity, allowing for the study of living cells without causing sample damage, and facilitates miniaturization of bio-sensing devices.
Implementation Method 1
upconversion emission and retroreflection
Implementation Method 2
inducing a bottom-up energy conversion (upconversion) as opposed to a top-down energy conversion (downconversion) as shown in fluorescence
Implementation Method 3
retroreflection particles bindable to the signal converter via the target bio-material, wherein the retroreflection particles retroreflect the converted light
Implementation Method 4
use excitation light of near-infrared (NIR) which is transmissive
Data Source
AI summary
An optical bio-sensing device includes a transparent substrate covering a top of a space accommodating therein a sample containing a target bio-material; a signal converter fixed to the transparent substrate, and including the upconversion nanoparticles for receiving incident light and emitting converted light of a wavelength shorter than a wavelength of the incident light; a signal reflector including retroreflection particles bindable to the signal converter via the target bio-material, wherein the retroreflection particles retroreflect the converted light; a light source for irradiating the incident light to the signal converter; and a light receiver for receiving light retroreflected from the signal reflector.