X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry Biomarker Quantification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for diagnosing and analyzing diseases, particularly cancer, are inadequate due to misdiagnosis, subjective interpretations, and lack of automation, leading to inaccurate staging and prognosis, which can result in inappropriate treatments and increased health risks.
Innovation Solution
The use of X-ray fluorescence spectrometry to quantify biomarkers in clinical samples, obtaining spectral features, and comparing these features to other test data to diagnose and identify abnormal conditions, thereby improving diagnostic accuracy and reducing errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional diagnostic methods are used, then ease of operation is maintained, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate due to misdiagnosis and subjective interpretation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual, subjective diagnostic methods with automated X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. The system uses an X-ray source to irradiate tissue samples, detectors to measure fluorescent emissions, and computer algorithms to automatically analyze spectral data and generate diagnostic reports, eliminating human subjectivity and improving measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces spectral features as intermediary parameters between the physical tissue sample and the diagnostic conclusion. The system measures multiple spectral features (peak positions, intensities, ratios) that serve as objective intermediaries to represent tissue composition and pathology, which are then processed by classification algorithms to reach diagnostic decisions.
2Reliability
If automated analysis methods are implemented, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a multi-functional integrated system where the X-ray fluorescence spectrometer performs multiple functions: irradiating the sample, detecting fluorescent emissions across multiple energy ranges, processing spectral data, and generating diagnostic conclusions. This universal approach improves reliability by providing consistent automated analysis while consolidating functions into a single platform.
3Measurement precision
If multiple spectral features are measured, then measurement precision improves, but loss of time increases due to comprehensive analysis requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous spectral acquisition and processing where the X-ray source continuously irradiates the tissue sample and the detector continuously records fluorescent emissions across multiple energy ranges. The computer system simultaneously processes multiple spectral features in real-time, maintaining continuous useful action throughout the analysis to improve precision without excessive time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent measures multiple spectral features beyond the minimum single parameter, including peak positions, intensities, and ratios across different energy ranges. This excessive measurement approach ensures comprehensive characterization of tissue composition and pathology, improving measurement precision by capturing more information than the bare minimum required.
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 enhances diagnostic precision, reduces subjective interpretation, and provides a more objective method for analyzing diseases, leading to improved patient outcomes by accurately identifying biomarkers and abnormal tissue regions.
Implementation Method 1
X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry is a powerful spectroscopic technique that has been used to determine the elements that are present in a sample, and to determine the quantity of those elements in the sample. The underlying physical principle of the method is that when an atom of a particular element is irradiated with X-ray radiation, the atom ejects a core electron such as a K shell electron. The making atom as is then in excited state, and it can return to the ground state by replacing the ejected electron with an electron from a higher energy orbital. This accompanied by the emission of a photon. The energy of the emitted photons is equal to the difference in the energies of the two orbitals. Each element has a characteristic set of orbital energies and therefore, a characteristic X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrum.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a method to quantify biomarkers. The method uses an X-ray florescence spectrometer to perform an X-ray fluorescence analysis on the sample to obtain spectral features derived from the biomarker; and quantifying the X-ray fluorescence signal of the biomarker.