Multi-Spectral Pathogen Detection via UV Absorption and Fluorescence Fusion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current spectrometer techniques face challenges in detecting pathogens, such as viruses in biological fluids, at low concentrations due to background interference, requiring expensive and time-consuming processes, and lack effective point-of-need solutions for rapid and accurate identification.
Innovation Solution
An enhanced photodetection spectroscopy system integrating miniature UV absorption and fluorescence spectrometers with data fusion and machine learning for pattern recognition, enabling simultaneous detection and quantification of pathogens in complex mixtures using a multispectral architecture and AI-driven analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If standard spectrometer techniques are used to detect pathogens in biological fluids, then detection can be performed, but sensitivity is insufficient when target substance is present at low concentration within a mixture of distractors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple spectroscopic techniques (UV absorption, fluorescence emission, and Raman scattering) into a single multi-spectral optical device. This merging of detection methods allows the system to simultaneously collect multiple types of spectral data from the same sample, thereby achieving high sensitivity detection of pathogens at low concentrations within complex biological matrices by leveraging the complementary strengths of each spectroscopic method
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite analytical approach that integrates data from multiple spectroscopic modalities (absorption, fluorescence, Raman) to create a composite spectral fingerprint for pathogen identification. This composite data fusion enables the system to distinguish target pathogens from background distractors with high precision, effectively solving the problem of detecting low-concentration pathogens in complex biological fluids
2Measurement precision
If Raman scattering spectroscopy is used for substance identification, then individual substances can be identified, but significant data processing is required to separate substances in a complex mixture and the technique is expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges Raman scattering spectroscopy with UV absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy in a single multi-spectral device. By simultaneously acquiring multiple types of spectral data, the system reduces the burden of data processing required for substance separation, as the complementary information from different spectroscopic methods provides redundant verification and simplifies the identification of individual substances in complex mixtures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent collects excessive spectral information by implementing multiple spectroscopic techniques (absorption, fluorescence, Raman) beyond what a single method would provide. This excessive data collection approach ensures that sufficient information is available to accurately separate and identify substances in complex mixtures, with the redundancy enabling more robust data processing and reduced uncertainty in substance identification
3Measurement precision
If multiple spectroscopic techniques are integrated into a single device, then detection sensitivity increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal multi-spectral optical device that performs multiple spectroscopic functions (UV absorption, fluorescence emission, and Raman scattering) within a single integrated platform. This multi-functional design achieves high detection sensitivity by combining multiple spectroscopic techniques while managing device complexity through shared optical components, detectors, and data processing algorithms that handle all spectral modalities
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 approach significantly increases sensitivity by approximately 100,000-fold, allowing for rapid (within 1-2 minutes) and cost-effective detection of pathogens like coronavirus in saliva, eliminating the need for device cleaning and clinical staff, with high accuracy and safety, and the ability to learn new viral pathogen signatures.
Implementation Method 1
Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy is particularly common in analytical applications. There are a wide range of experimental approaches for measuring absorption spectra.
Implementation Method 2
Ultraviolet fluorescence refers to the process where a substance is exposed to sufficient energy at ultraviolet and visible wavelengths between 200 nm and 900 nm and this interaction with the substance results in absorption of that energy and subsequent emission from that substance at a longer wavelength than the applied wavelength.
Implementation Method 3
performing, with the multi-spectral optical device, data fusion between the first absorption spectral output and the second emission spectral output to generate fused data
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of this invention relate generally to a method for detection of pathogens, biomarkers, or any compound using data fusion and machine learning. The method includes generating, with a first miniature UV absorption spectrometer of a multi-spectral optical device, a first absorption spectral output based on receiving an absorbance light channel from a sample, generating, with a second miniature UV fluorescence spectrometer of the multi-spectral optical device, a second emission spectral output based on receiving an emission light channel from the sample and performing, with the multi-spectral optical device, data fusion between the first absorption spectral output and the second emission spectral output to generate fused data.