Antigen Retrieval for Fixed Biological Samples
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting molecules in samples, such as bodily fluids or tissues, face challenges in efficiently and accurately identifying nucleic acids or proteins, particularly due to issues with sample preservation and antigen retrieval.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the steps of obtaining cells from a sample, treating them with a fixative, paraffin embedding, deparaffinizing, and suspending to create a single cell suspension, followed by contact with detection agents to identify the presence of specific molecules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If cells are fixed with formalin and paraffin embedded for preservation, then sample integrity and stability are improved, but antigen retrieval difficulty and detection complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing antigen retrieval treatment before the detection step. The method pre-treats the fixed cells with proteases or other retrieval agents to expose hidden antigens before applying detection antibodies, thereby resolving the contradiction between sample preservation and detection ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses proteases and retrieval agents as intermediaries between the fixed sample and detection antibodies. These intermediaries break down formalin-induced crosslinks and expose antigens, facilitating subsequent detection without compromising sample stability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If extensive fixation and embedding procedures are used, then sample preservation is improved, but detection time and process duration increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs antigen retrieval as a preliminary step before detection, allowing the use of standardized fixation protocols without extending detection time. The retrieval step pre-prepares the samples for rapid subsequent detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes detection parameters including antibody concentration, incubation time, and temperature to reduce detection time while maintaining accuracy on formally-fixed samples.
3Ease of operation
If standard detection methods are applied to fixed samples, then ease of operation is maintained, but detection sensitivity and accuracy decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces antigen retrieval agents as intermediaries that restore antigen accessibility in fixed samples, thereby improving detection sensitivity without complicating the overall操作流程.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical disruption methods with chemical retrieval methods using proteases and detergents, maintaining ease of operation while improving antigen exposure and detection sensitivity.
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 method enables effective detection of molecules like RNA, DNA, or proteins in samples by maintaining the integrity of the sample and enhancing the sensitivity and specificity of the detection process.
Implementation Method 1
treating the cells with a fixative
Implementation Method 2
contacting the suspended cells with a first detection agent that binds at least one molecule of the suspended cells
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are methods of detecting the presence of a molecule in a sample, such as a bodily fluid or tissue of a patient.