Array Plate with Patterned Hydrophobic Surface for High Throughput Assays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microtiter plates and microarrays have limitations in terms of throughput and specificity, particularly when handling complex biological molecules like proteins, due to their design constraints and material properties, which restrict the number of reactions that can be performed simultaneously and the accuracy of results.
Innovation Solution
The development of an array plate with a patterned hydrophobic/hydrophilic surface using a fluorocarbon-based material, allowing for discrete through holes and immobilization areas, which enables independent reaction control and reduced cross-contamination through the use of an immiscible liquid barrier, facilitating higher throughput and specificity in biological assays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If standard microtiter plates are used to increase the number of wells per plate, then the number of reactions that can be run simultaneously increases, but the specificity and reliability of individual reactions deteriorates due to cross-contamination and shared reagents
Solution Approach 1:
The array plate divides the reaction space into discrete, isolated reaction sites arranged in an array pattern. Each site can be independently accessed by reagents and cells, eliminating cross-contamination between adjacent reactions while maintaining high throughput capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the array plate are designed with specific local properties - hydrophilic regions for reagent immobilization and hydrophobic regions for cell retention. This local differentiation ensures that each reaction site has the appropriate properties for its specific function while maintaining overall plate integrity.
2Productivity
If microarrays are used to increase the number of reactions simultaneously, then throughput increases, but the ability to perform repeated addition, incubation, and washing of individual spots is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The array plate creates spatially separated reaction sites that are accessible to robotic dispensing systems. Each site can be independently filled, incubated, and washed through automated liquid handling, enabling repeated operations on individual spots while maintaining high throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The plate design enables dynamic access to individual reaction sites through automated liquid handling systems that can selectively add reagents and perform washing steps on specific spots without disturbing other sites, providing operational flexibility.
3Productivity
If protein microarrays are used on glass slides, then the number of reactions can be increased, but the storage and binding requirements of complex chemicals like proteins become difficult to meet
Solution Approach 1:
The array plate incorporates specific hydrophilic regions that are optimized for protein binding and hydrophobic regions for cell retention. This local differentiation simplifies the overall system by providing dedicated functional zones, eliminating the need for complex glass slide functionalization while maintaining protein reaction capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The array plate uses a disposable plastic substrate with pre-formed reaction sites, eliminating the need for expensive, complex glass slide preparations and extensive functionalization steps. The plate is designed for single-use, simplifying both manufacturing and operation.
4Productivity
If the number of wells on a microtiter plate is increased from 96 to 1536, then the throughput increases, but the manufacturing precision and consistency of individual wells deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The array plate uses a modular printing process to create discrete reaction sites in an array pattern. This segmentation approach allows for precise control of each site's dimensions and position through digital printing algorithms, maintaining manufacturing precision even at 1536 sites per plate.
Solution Approach 2:
The manufacturing process uses controlled parameters including temperature, humidity, and printing speed to ensure consistent reaction site formation across all sites on the plate. The hydrophilic/hydrophobic material deposition is controlled to achieve uniform properties across the entire array.
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 allows for the performance of multiple assays in smaller volumes with reduced reagent use, shorter incubation times, and improved reproducibility, accommodating a wider range of assay types, including heterogeneous and kinetic assays, while minimizing cell loss and optical interference.
Implementation Method 1
a patterned hydrophobic/hydrophilic surface using a fluorocarbon-based material
Implementation Method 2
a patterned hydrophobic/hydrophilic surface using a fluorocarbon-based material
Implementation Method 3
reduced cross-contamination through the use of an immiscible liquid barrier
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an apparatus for conducting biological assays which employs “virtual wells” in lieu of the physical wells of conventional array plates. Also provided are methods of processing a sample and/or culturing cells using the apparatus and systems described herein. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a first structure having a sheet layer with a plurality of discrete through holes; and a second structure coupled to the first structure, the second structure including a base layer. At least a portion of a first surface of the sheet layer of the first structure is exposed from the second structure, and a second surface of the sheet layer, opposite to the first surface of the sheet layer, is embedded in the base layer of the second structure adjacent the first surface of the base layer.