Focused Acoustic Tissue Transfer System
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Laser capture microdissection methods often result in undesirable radiation exposure, temperature changes, and damage to tissue samples during the isolation and transfer process.
Innovation Solution
The use of focused acoustic energy to transfer small tissue samples between substrates, maintaining isothermal conditions and minimizing damage, by adjusting frequency and focal zone size to suit the resolution of the sample, and integrating with microscopy for precise selection and transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If laser capture microdissection is used to isolate and transfer tissue samples, then tissue isolation and transfer are achieved, but radiation exposure, temperature increase, and tissue damage occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the laser-based optical system with an acoustic field-based system. Acoustic energy is used to vibrate and detach tissue samples from the substrate without causing the thermal damage and radiation exposure associated with laser methods. The acoustic field provides a mechanical means of tissue manipulation that is gentler on the sample.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter used for tissue manipulation from optical energy (laser) to acoustic energy. By using sound waves at specific frequencies and intensities, the system achieves tissue detachment through vibration and acoustic radiation pressure rather than thermal ablation, thereby reducing harmful effects on the tissue.
2Reliability
If laser capture microdissection is used to transfer tissue samples, then tissue transfer is achieved, but temperature increase and thermal damage occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the thermal mechanism of laser heating with an acoustic vibration mechanism. Acoustic energy causes the tissue to vibrate and detach from the substrate through mechanical oscillation rather than thermal expansion and burning, maintaining lower temperatures throughout the process.
Solution Approach 2:
The acoustic field applies periodic vibrations to the tissue sample at resonant frequencies. This periodic mechanical action facilitates gradual detachment and transfer of the tissue without continuous thermal exposure, allowing heat dissipation and preventing thermal damage.
3Manufacturing precision
If high frequency acoustic energy is used to transfer small tissue samples, then transfer precision is improved, but energy requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic field is focused locally at the tissue sample location rather than uniformly illuminating the entire substrate. This localized acoustic focusing concentrates energy only where needed for tissue detachment, improving precision while minimizing overall energy consumption. The acoustic lens or transducer array creates a focused acoustic beam targeting specific regions.
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
Facilitates the transfer of tissue samples with minimal alteration, maintaining structural and chemical integrity, and allowing for controlled temperature conditions, thus preserving the sample for further analysis.
Implementation Method 1
focused acoustic energy to transfer small tissue samples between substrates
Implementation Method 2
exposing the portion of the sample to focused acoustic energy having a frequency of about 100 kHz to 100 MHz
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for processing tissue samples using acoustic energy. The tissue sample may be collected and placed on a substrate (e.g., microscope slide), or other sample holder. A transfer substrate may be positioned on the other side of the sample opposite the substrate. A microscope incorporated with the acoustic treatment system may be used to view, identify and select a portion of the sample to be transferred from the initial substrate to the transfer substrate. The selected portion of the sample is exposed to focused acoustic energy while disposed between the two substrates. The focused acoustic energy has characteristics (e.g., high frequency, small focal zone) that may be effective to transfer the selected portion of the sample from the initial substrate to the transfer substrate. Such transfer may occur with little to no damage to the sample, for example, at low temperature isothermal conditions and/or little to no cavitation of or around the sample.