Actuated Sample Handling System for Spatial Transcriptomics Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for spatial transcriptomic analysis require skilled personnel and extended time for sample preparation, as they involve direct placement of biological samples onto barcoded arrays, leading to misalignment issues and inefficient use of limited samples.
Innovation Solution
An actuated sample handling system that aligns biological samples with barcoded oligonucleotide arrays using a system with a linear actuator, tilt member, and alignment mechanism, allowing for precise positioning and efficient sample preparation without requiring advanced tissue sectioning or mounting expertise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If direct placement of biological samples onto barcoded arrays is used, then sample preparation can be performed, but misalignment issues occur and skilled personnel are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary alignment mechanism with movable and fixed alignment features that mediate between the sample substrate and the array substrate. This alignment mechanism includes alignment channels and alignment features that guide precise positioning without requiring direct manual placement by skilled personnel, thus improving alignment precision while reducing operation complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical placement operations with an automated actuation system that uses linear actuators to move the sample substrate along the alignment channel. This substitution of manual mechanical operations with automated actuation eliminates the need for skilled personnel to perform precise manual alignment while maintaining high alignment precision
2Productivity
If direct placement method is used, then sample preparation can be completed, but extended time is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates preliminary alignment features into the substrate designs, including pre-formed alignment channels and alignment features that are built into the sample and array substrates. This preliminary preparation of alignment structures eliminates the need for time-consuming manual alignment adjustments during the sample preparation process, thus improving productivity while reducing time loss
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces time-consuming manual alignment operations with automated linear actuation systems that can quickly and precisely position the sample substrate. This mechanical substitution automates the alignment process, significantly reducing the time required for sample preparation while maintaining high productivity through efficient automated operations
3Reliability
If manual sample placement is used, then samples can be processed, but user error increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary alignment mechanism with standardized alignment features and channels that mediate between the sample and array substrates. This intermediary system provides foolproof alignment guidance that eliminates user error by constraining the positioning to predetermined accurate locations, thus improving reliability while reducing the operational skill requirement
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment features and channels are designed to self-align the sample substrate with the array substrate through complementary geometric features. The system performs its own alignment function automatically through the interaction of alignment protrusions and alignment channels, eliminating reliance on user skill and reducing operational error, thus improving reliability while simplifying operation
Data Source
AI summary
A system for capturing analytes from a sample is provided. The system includes an upper housing including a linear actuator, a linear motion member coupled to the linear actuator, a tilt member rotatably coupled to the linear motion member, and at least one sample support member coupled to the tilt member. The system includes a lower housing including a base support member. The system also includes an alignment mechanism coupling the upper housing to the lower housing. The upper housing and the lower housing have an open configuration and a closed configuration. The alignment mechanism is configured to move the upper housing and the lower housing between the open configuration and the closed configuration. In the closed configuration, the linear actuator is configured to, upon energizing, translate the at least one sample support member towards the base support member. Related apparatuses and methods of use are also provided.