X-ray Fluorescence Biological Analyte Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current X-ray fluorescence (XRF) methods struggle to simultaneously detect and analyze multiple biological analytes in the same solution with high precision, particularly when elements with different atomic numbers are involved, limiting the ability to determine characteristics such as location, presence, identity, quantity, and distribution of biological analytes.
Innovation Solution
The method involves causing the emission of characteristic X-rays from first and second biological analytes with different elements, attached via ligands, by exposing them to X-ray or gamma radiation, and using X-ray detectors to capture and analyze the emitted X-rays, allowing for simultaneous detection of the analytes' characteristics based on the energies and intensities of the X-rays emitted.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional XRF methods are used to detect multiple biological analytes, then detection capability is provided, but measurement precision deteriorates when elements with different atomic numbers are involved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using element-specific detection parameters optimized for different atomic number ranges. The system adjusts detection settings and analysis methods based on the specific element being detected, allowing precise measurement of each element's characteristic X-rays despite the presence of multiple elements with different atomic numbers in the same solution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by varying detection energy windows and analysis parameters according to the atomic number of the target element. By dynamically adjusting detection parameters based on which element is being measured, the system maintains high measurement precision across multiple different elements simultaneously.
2Adaptability or versatility
If characteristic X-rays from multiple elements are detected simultaneously, then analysis of multiple biological analytes is enabled, but difficulty of detecting and measuring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating the detection process into element-specific channels, each optimized for detecting characteristic X-rays from a particular element. The system divides the complex multi-element detection task into independent, manageable detection streams based on the discrete energy signatures of different elements, simplifying the overall detection process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses energy-dispersive detection as an intermediary mechanism that converts the complex problem of simultaneous multi-element detection into separate energy-resolved measurements. The detector system acts as an intermediary that sorts incoming X-rays by energy, allowing simultaneous detection of multiple elements without direct interference between their signals.
3Loss of information
If energy-dispersive analysis is used to identify elements, then element identification is achieved, but device complexity increases due to detector requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using a single energy-dispersive detector system that can identify and measure multiple different elements simultaneously through their characteristic X-ray energies. This multi-functional detector replaces what would otherwise require multiple element-specific detectors, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining comprehensive element identification capability.
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 enables precise detection and analysis of biological analytes' characteristics, including location, presence, identity, and distribution, by accurately determining the energies and intensities of X-rays emitted from elements with atomic numbers greater than 20, facilitating detailed biological studies.
Implementation Method 1
X-ray fluorescence (XRF) is the emission of characteristic X-rays from a material that has been excited by, for example, exposure to high-energy X-rays or gamma rays
Implementation Method 2
an incoming X-ray photon ionizes a large number of detector atoms with the amount of charge carriers produced being proportional to the energy of the incoming X-ray photon
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a method comprising: causing emission of characteristic X-rays of a first element attached to a first biological analyte; causing emission of characteristic X-rays of a second element attached to a second biological analyte; detecting a characteristic of the first biological analyte based on the characteristic X-rays of the first element and a characteristic of the second biological analyte based on the characteristic X-rays of the second element; wherein the first element and the second element are different; wherein the first biological analyte and the second biological analyte are in the same solution.