Immunohistochemical staining device

Abstract

The present invention describes an immunohistochemical staining device, which comprises dispensers for supplying reagents precisely so as to correctly administer same, with a control module also being installed in the device to automate the staining operation. Another feature of the immunohistochemical staining device is that it includes a touch screen for carrying out adjustments and for operation. The device also has reagent containers arranged radially for correct distribution on staining plates, in addition to including an elevator with rods for the vertical positioning of slide plates.

Description

[0001] IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL STAINING DEVICE

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to the technical field of mechanical and electronic engineering, chemistry, computer science, pathology, clinical diagnosis and more specifically molecular and cellular biology, since it provides an immunohistochemical staining device.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Immunohistochemistry is a procedure that aims to detect, amplify, and make visible a specific antigen, which is usually a protein. This technique allows the identification of the exact location of a specific substance at the tissue or cellular level (cytochemistry) by identifying the characteristic antigenic markers of a cell line, cells that secrete a protein, membrane receptors, tissue concentration gradients, or cells that have responded to a hormone (with specific antibodies for intracellular signaling pathways).

[0006] It is based on the use of antibodies that bind specifically to a substance to be identified (primary antigen). These antibodies may have an enzyme attached, or the enzyme may be attached to a secondary antibody that recognizes and binds to the primary antibody.

[0007] When applied to organic tissue, the primary antibody binds specifically to the substrate, and enzymatic activity is used to visualize the binding. This results in a substrate-antibody-enzyme complex bound to the substrate site. Activation of the enzyme with the addition of its substrate generates an identifiable product at the location of the complex.

[0008] An immunohistochemical staining device is a device used in pathology and molecular biology laboratories to apply immunohistochemical (IHC) techniques to tissue samples. Immunohistochemistry is a technique that uses specific antibodies to detect proteins or antigens in tissue sections, allowing visualization of the location and quantity of these molecules within the context of the tissue structure.

[0009] The history of immunohistochemical (IHC) staining devices is a journey through advances in biology, chemistry, medicine, and technology that has transformed the way scientists and clinicians can visualize and study proteins and other antigens in tissues.

[0010] The first advances in immunohistochemistry occurred between 1940 and 1950. Scientists began using antibodies to locate proteins in tissues, with the fluorescence technique developed by Coons in 1941 being a key milestone.

[0011] During the 1960s and 1970s, basic techniques such as enzyme-antibody conjugation were developed, enabling the visualization of antigens through enzymatic reactions. In the 1970s, the peroxidase-antiperoxidase (PAP) technique improved the sensitivity and specificity of antigen detection. In the 1980s, the first automated immunohistochemistry systems were introduced to increase reproducibility, although they required significant manual intervention. In the 1990s, companies such as Ventana and Dako launched more advanced commercial systems, along with improvements in reagents, increasing both efficiency and the quality of results.

[0012] The 2000s saw the arrival of fully automated systems and software for accurate image analysis, while the 2010s saw the optimization of system speed and the implementation of multiplexing techniques to detect multiple antigens in the same sample.

[0013] Since the 2020s, immunohistochemistry has been integrated with digital diagnostics, including artificial intelligence-based tools to improve the accuracy of diagnoses and the miniaturization of devices for use in more varied environments.

[0014] The evolution of immunohistochemical staining devices reflects continuous progress in the search for more accurate, efficient, and accessible techniques for diagnosis and biomedical research.

[0015] A search of the state of the art of immunohistochemical staining devices was carried out, where it was found that different devices have been developed for this purpose, as mentioned in the United States of America patent document number US8945662 (B2), dated February 3, 2015, which has the title "ROTATORY SLIDE STAINING DEVICE", which describes a slide staining device and a method for operating the slide holder.The slide staining device includes a slide carrier that holds one or more laboratory slides; a container capable of holding staining fluid and sized to accommodate the slides; a slide transfer mechanism that moves the slide into and out of the container; and a spring-loaded pin that engages with a surface of the slide staining device to limit the free-floating movement of the slide carrier in the event of a power loss. Additionally, during an agitation phase of a slide staining process, the slide transfer mechanism is configured to move the slide upwards to a predetermined height set by the user of the slide staining device, and the slide transfer mechanism then moves the slide.conveyor in the downward direction back to the container.

[0016] Also found was United States Patent No. US6309607 (Bl), dated October 30, 2001, entitled "SLIDE STAINING SYSTEM," which refers to a slide staining system having a set of slides comprising a plurality of slides, each of which holds a slide. The slides are rotatably mounted relative to each other and can rotate between a first position in which all the slides are aligned and a second position in which each slide is offset at a predetermined angle with respect to an adjacent slide.The documents cited above describe staining devices, but they do not show evidence of having a precision dosing means for the correct administration of the reagents, nor do they describe having an installed control module that includes a screen for its operation and functioning.

[0017] The aforementioned documents do not show evidence of having the containers placed radially, which allows for an optimized distribution of the reagents, nor do they make reference to integrating a lift and lifting rods for the vertical positioning of the slide plates.

[0018] OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0019] The present invention aims to provide an immunohistochemical staining device, which has dispensers that allow the reagents to be supplied precisely to achieve a correct administration of these.

[0020] Another object of the present invention is to provide an immunohistochemical staining device, which has a control module installed to fully automate the staining operation.

[0021] An additional object of the present invention is to provide an immunohistochemical staining device, which integrates a screen for making adjustments and starting up.

[0022] Another object of the present invention is to provide an immunohistochemical staining device, which features a radial arrangement of reagent containers for proper distribution on the staining plates. A further object of the present invention is to provide an immunohistochemical staining device that integrates a rod-type elevator for the vertical positioning of the glass slides.

[0023] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0024] The characteristic details of this novel immunohistochemical staining device are clearly shown in the following description and accompanying figures, as well as an illustration thereof, using the same reference symbols to indicate the parts shown. However, these figures are shown by way of example and should not be considered limiting to the present invention.

[0025] Figure 1 shows a top perspective view of the immunohistochemical staining device.

[0026] Figure 2 shows a top perspective view of the immunohistochemical staining device, without the lid.

[0027] Figure 3 shows a top perspective view of the immunohistochemical staining device, without the lid and top cover, where the dispensers and their connection to the wiring can be seen. Figure 4 shows a top perspective view of the immunohistochemical staining device, without the top cover or the stand.

[0028] Figure 5 shows a top perspective view of axis e with the immunohistochemical staining device plates.

[0029] Figure 6 shows a detailed side perspective view of the e-axis, rotor, and elevator with the plates installed for the immunohistochemical staining device. Figure 7 shows a detailed side view of the e-axis, rotor, and elevator with the plates installed for the immunohistochemical staining device.

[0030] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] For a better understanding of the present invention, the parts that make up the immunohistochemical staining device are listed below:

[0032] 1. Base

[0033] 2. Arrow

[0034] 3. Rotor

[0035] 4. Rods

[0036] 5. Plate

[0037] 6. Elevator

[0038] 7. Bars

[0039] 8. Connector

[0040] 9. Cavity

[0041] 10. Cover

[0042] 11. Support

[0043] 12. Containers

[0044] 13. Upper rotor

[0045] 14. Top cover

[0046] 15. Lid

[0047] 16. Structure

[0048] 17. Screen

[0049] 18. Dispensers

[0050] 19. Wiring

[0051] With reference to the figures, the immunohistochemical staining device consists of a base (1) having a hole (not illustrated) in its center on which a shaft (2) is placed vertically; a rotor (3) is assembled on the outside of the shaft (2), preferably in the middle of said shaft (2); a plurality of rods (4) are installed horizontally at one end, on the outer periphery of the rotor (3), and the opposite end is assembled horizontally to a plate (5).An elevator (6) is assembled on the outside of the shaft (2), preferably below the rotor (3); a plurality of guides (7) are installed at one end, on the outer periphery of the elevator (6), and the opposite end is preferably assembled in the middle of the rods (4) by means of a connector (8); the plate (5) is preferably rectangular prismatic in shape and has a cavity (9) on the upper face, which is configured to hold a slide (not illustrated) with a sample of organic tissue.

[0052] The rotor (3) is configured to transmit a rotary motion to the rods (4) and thus move the plates (5) in a radial motion with respect to the axis (2); the elevator (6) is configured to move up or down on the axis (2), and thus transmit this motion to the rods (4) by means of the guides (7) and position the plates (5) at the height required for staining the samples on the slides (not illustrated) housed in the cavities (9); the elevator (6) rotates freely on the axis (2) with respect to the rotation provided by the rotor (3).

[0053] A cover (10) is assembled on the upper face of the outer periphery of the base (1). This configuration allows the parts installed on the shaft (2) to be housed; the cover (10) extends above the height of the plates (5). A support (11) having a hole (not illustrated) aligned with the hole (not illustrated) in the base (1) is assembled by inserting the upper part of the shaft (2) into the hole (not illustrated) and lowering it until it is positioned on top of the cover (10). The support (11) and the cover (10) create a hermetic environment to prevent contamination of the samples on the slides (not illustrated) and ensure an accurate result. A plurality of dispensers (18) are installed uniformly spaced on the top of the support (11), located before the outer periphery of said support (11).The dispensers (18) are distributed radially, forming a circular pattern, with a constant angular distance between them, which ensures a symmetrical and equidistant arrangement. The dispensers (18) are inserted through the support (11), allowing them to be precisely positioned on top of the plates (5).

[0054] A container (12) is installed on top of each of the dispensers (18), which are configured to store reagents for staining organic tissue samples; the dispensers (18) are configured to dispense the reagent contained in the containers (12) onto the slides located in the cavities (9) of the plates (5).

[0055] An upper rotor (13) is assembled on the outside of the shaft (2), and is lowered until it is positioned on top of the support (11); the upper rotor (13) is configured to transmit rotary motion to the support (11) and thus selectively position which container (12) is on top of a given plate (5), taking into account the type of reagent to be supplied by means of the dispenser (18) onto the sample.

[0056] The rotor (3), the elevator (6) and the upper rotor (13) are preferably cylindrical in shape and hollow in their center.

[0057] A top cover (14) is assembled on the outer periphery of the top of the support (11). This configuration protects the dispensers (18), the containers (12), and the upper rotor (13) from the outside. The top cover (14) covers the entire height of the shaft (2). A lid (15) is installed on top of the top cover (14). This configuration maintains an airtight environment and prevents contamination of the reagents by foreign elements present in the environment.

[0058] The base (1), the support (11) and the lid (15) are preferably of a flat circular shape.

[0059] A control panel (16) is installed on the outside of the cover (10). This control panel (16) is a rectangular prismatic structure configured to house a control module (not shown) consisting of a microcontroller (not shown), a power supply (not shown), an actuator (not shown), and a rotary mechanism (not shown). A cable (19) is connected at one end to the microcontroller (not shown), and the opposite ends are connected to the elevator (6), the rotor (3), the upper rotor (13), and the dispensers (18). The cable (19) is concealed, passing through the center of the shaft (2) and the support (11).The power supply (not illustrated) is configured to provide electrical power to the microcontroller (not illustrated) and thus energize, via the wiring (19), all the electrical and electronic components involved in the sample staining process; the power supply (not illustrated) is preferably a rechargeable battery; a charging port (not illustrated) is installed on the outside of the control panel (16) and is connected to the power supply (not illustrated); the charging port is configured to connect a cable at one end, and the opposite end is connected to a fixed power source to recharge the power supply (not illustrated).

[0060] The microcontroller (not illustrated) is configured to activate the actuator (not illustrated), the dispensers (18) and the rotary mechanism (not illustrated) during the staining process; the actuator (not illustrated) is configured to provide linear motion to the elevator (6) and thus adjust the height of the plates (5); the rotary mechanism (not illustrated) is configured to transmit rotary motion to the rotor (3) and the upper rotor (13); the actuator (not illustrated) is preferably linear; the rotary mechanism (not illustrated) can be an electric motor, a stepper motor or a servomotor.

[0061] A screen (17) is installed on the front face of the control panel (16), and is configured to perform adjustments and start-up for the operation of the immunohistochemical staining device; the screen (17) is preferably touch-sensitive.

[0062] A switch (not illustrated) is located on the outside of the control panel (16), and is connected to the power source (not illustrated). This configuration allows the immunohistochemical staining device to be turned on or off.

[0063] A wireless communication unit (not illustrated) may be located inside the control panel (16) and connects to the control module (not illustrated). This configuration allows programming and commissioning of the immunohistochemical staining device remotely and in real time by means of a smart device such as a computer, tablet or smartphone; the wireless communication unit (not illustrated) may be via Bluetooth, WiFi (Wireless Fidelity) or UWB (Ultra-Wideband).

[0064] PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0065] Examples

[0066] The following examples illustrate a preferred way of carrying out the present invention, and should therefore not be considered as limiting it.

[0067] Example 1. Operation and functioning of the immunohistochemical staining device.

[0068] With reference to the figures mentioned above, the slides with a sample of organic tissue are placed in the cavity (9) of the plates (5), then the upper support (11) is placed on the cover (10), the containers (12) are filled with the reagents necessary to perform the staining, and finally the lid (15) is positioned on top of the upper cover (14). The switch (not illustrated) is pressed to turn on the immunohistochemical staining device and activate the screen (17) by means of which the programming of the immunohistochemical staining device that is the subject of the present invention is carried out.Subsequently, the parameters regarding the height of the elevator (6) are introduced, as well as the rotation required by the support (11) for the alignment of the containers (12) with respect to the plates (5). Once the containers (12) are aligned, the amount of reagents to be supplied is introduced through the dispensers (18) and the staining process begins.

[0069] In view of the foregoing, it is reiterated that the scope of the present invention shall not be limited by the specific embodiments described, and it shall be understood that variations may be made in several respects. Such variations shall not be considered a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications may be obvious to a person skilled in the art and shall be included within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

RECLAIMS 1. An immunohistochemical staining device, characterized in that it comprises: a base (1) having an opening on which a shaft (2) is vertically placed; a rotor (3) is assembled in the middle part of the outside of the shaft (2); a plurality of rods (4) are installed horizontally at one end, on the outer periphery of the rotor (3), and at the opposite end a plate (5) is horizontally assembled; a lifter (6) is assembled on the outside of the shaft (2) below the rotor (3); A plurality of guides (7) are installed at one end, on the outer periphery of the elevator (6), and the opposite end is assembled in the middle part of the rods (4) by means of a connector (8); a cover (10) is assembled on the upper face of the outer periphery of the base (1); this configuration allows to house the parts that are installed on the shaft (2);A support (11) having an orifice is assembled by inserting the upper part of the shaft (2) into the orifice and lowering it until it is positioned on top of the cover (10); a plurality of dispensers (18) are installed on top of the support (11), said dispensers (18) are inserted through the support (11), and are positioned on top of the plates (5); a container (12) is installed on top of each of the dispensers (18), each container (12) stores reagents for staining organic tissue samples; an upper rotor (13) is assembled on the outside of the shaft (2) positioned on top of the support (11); A top cover (14) is assembled on the outer periphery of the top of the support (11), in such a way that it protects the dispensers (18), the containers (12) and the; upper rotor (13) from the outside; a lid (15) is installed on the top of the upper cover (14) in such a way as to maintain an airtight environment and prevent contamination of the reagents by foreign elements present in the environment; a control panel (16) is installed on the outside of the cover (10) and houses a control module; a charging port is installed on the outside of the control panel (16) and is connected to the control module; and, a display (17) is installed on the front face of the control panel (16).

2. The device according to claim 1 characterized in that the base (1) has the hole in the center.

3. The device according to claim 1 characterized in that the rods (4) are assembled horizontally on the plates (5).

4. The device according to claim 1 characterized in that the plate (5) is rectangular prismatic in shape and has a cavity (9) on the upper face, which houses a slide with a sample of organic tissue.

5. The device according to claim 1 characterized in that the rotor (3) is configured to transmit rotary motion to the rods (4) to displace the plates (5) in a radial motion with respect to the axis (2).

6. The device according to claim 1 characterized in that the elevator (6) is configured to move up or down on the axis (2), and in this way transmit said movement to the rods (4) by means of the guides (7) and be able to position the plates (5) at the height required for the staining of the samples.

7. The device according to claim 1 characterized in that the elevator (6) rotates freely about the axis e (2) with respect to the rotation provided by the rotor (3).

8. The device according to claim 1 characterized in that the cover (10) extends above the height at which the plates (5) are located.

9. The device according to claim 1 characterized in that the hole in the support (11) is aligned with the hole in the base (1).

10. The device according to claim 1 characterized in that the support (11) and the cover (10) create a hermetic environment to prevent contamination of the samples and ensure an accurate result.

11. The device according to claim 1 characterized in that the dispensers (18) are installed uniformly spaced and located before the outer periphery of said support (11); said dispensers (18) are radially distributed, forming a circular pattern, with a constant angular distance between them, which ensures a symmetrical and equidistant arrangement.

12. The device according to claim 1, 4 and 11 characterized in that the dispensers (18) are configured to dispense the reagent contained in the containers (12) onto the slides located in the cavities (9) of the plates (5).

13. The device according to claim 1 characterized in that the upper rotor (13) transmits rotary motion to the support (11) and in this way selectively positions which container (12) remains on the top of a certain plate (5), considering the type of reagent to be supplied by means of the dispenser (18) onto the sample.

14. The device according to claim 1 characterized in that the rotor (3), the elevator (6) and the upper rotor (13) are cylindrical in shape and hollow in their center.

15. The device according to claim 1 characterized in that the upper cover (14) covers the entire height of the shaft (2).

16. The device according to claim 1 characterized in that the base (1), the support (11) and the lid (15) are preferably of a flat circular shape.

17. The device according to claim 1 characterized in that the control panel (16) is a structure having a rectangular prismatic shape.

18. The device according to claim 1 characterized in that the control module is comprised of a microcontroller; a power supply; and said control module is connected to an actuator and a rotary mechanism.

19. The device according to claims 1 and 18, characterized in that a wiring (19) is installed in a concealed manner passing through the center of the shaft (2) and through the support (11) and is connected at one end to the microcontroller, and the opposite ends are connected to the elevator (6), the rotor (3), the upper rotor (13) and the dispensers (18).

20. The device according to claims 18 and 19, characterized in that the power supply is a rechargeable battery and is configured to supply electrical power to the microcontroller and thus energize, through the wiring (19), all the electrical and electronic components involved in the staining process of the samples.

21. The device according to claim 1, 18 and 19, characterized in that a charging port is located installed on the outside of the control panel (16) and is connected to the power supply to connect a cable at one end, and the opposite end is connected to a fixed power source and thus recharge the power supply.

22. The device according to claim 18 characterized in that the microcontroller activates the actuator, the dosif leaders ( 18 ) and the rotary mechanism during the staining process.

23. The device according to claim 18 characterized in that the actuator is configured to provide linear movement to the elevator (6) and thereby adjust the height of the plates (5).

24. The device according to claim 18 characterized in that the rotary mechanism is configured to transmit rotary motion to the rotor (3) and to the upper rotor (13).

25. The device according to claim 18 characterized in that the actuator is linear.

26. The device according to claim 18 characterized in that the rotary mechanism is an electric motor, a stepper motor or a servomotor.

27. The device according to claim 1 characterized in that the screen (17) is touch-sensitive and is configured to perform the adjustments and start-up for the operation of the immunohistochemical staining device.

28. The device according to claim 1 characterized in that a switch is installed on the outside of the control panel (16) and is connected to the power source to activate or deactivate the immunohistochemical staining device.

29. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that a wireless communication unit It is located inside the control panel (16) connected to the control module, to program and start the immunohistochemical staining device remotely and in real time by means of a smart device.

30. The device according to claim 29, characterized in that the smart device is a computer, tablet, or smartphone.

31. The device in accordance with 29 characterized in that the wireless communication unit is by means of Bluetooth, WiFi or UWB.

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