Multi-well Plate Assay Apparatus with Optical Sensor Focusing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods and systems for conducting assays in multi-well plate formats lack efficiency in automated sampling, sample preparation, and analysis, necessitating improved apparatuses and systems for high-throughput assays.
Innovation Solution
The development of a method and apparatus that includes a focusing mechanism for an optical sensor using patterned surfaces and a contact platform with interrogation zones for precise voltage application, enabling efficient sampling and analysis in multi-well plates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated sampling and analysis systems are implemented for multi-well plates, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into distinct functional modules: a plate handling subsystem with automated plate loading and positioning, a light detection subsystem with multiple detectors arranged in arrays, and a control subsystem. Each module operates independently but coordinates with others, enabling high-throughput processing while managing complexity through modular design. The multi-well plate itself is segmented into multiple wells that can be processed in parallel.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus is designed to handle multiple plate formats and types through universal interfaces and adaptive positioning mechanisms. The plate handling subsystem can accommodate different well arrangements and plate sizes. The light detection system uses arrays of detectors that can measure various optical properties (absorbance, fluorescence, luminescence) across multiple wells simultaneously, providing multi-functional capability in a single system.
2Measurement precision
If precise focusing mechanisms are added to optical sensors, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary focusing by positioning the plate at a predetermined height relative to the light detectors before measurement begins. The plate handling subsystem includes mechanisms that automatically set the plate position to ensure optimal focus, eliminating the need for complex real-time focusing adjustments during measurement. This preliminary positioning action ensures measurement precision while keeping the focusing mechanism relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the control subsystem monitors the position of the plate and adjusts it to maintain optimal focus. Light detectors provide feedback signals about the quality of focus, and the control system uses this information to make precise positioning adjustments. This feedback loop ensures measurement precision without requiring overly complex mechanical focusing mechanisms.
3Productivity
If multiple light detectors are used to measure multiple parameters, then measurement precision and throughput are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple light detectors are merged into a single integrated detection array that measures multiple parameters simultaneously across multiple wells. Rather than using separate detection systems for each well or parameter, the invention combines detectors into arrays that can collect optical data from numerous wells in parallel, dramatically improving throughput while managing complexity through integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system transitions from one-dimensional sequential measurement to two-dimensional parallel measurement by arranging detectors in arrays that correspond to the well plate geometry. This dimensional change allows simultaneous measurement across multiple wells, increasing throughput from linear to quadratic scaling relative to the number of detectors, while the array structure provides inherent organization that manages system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses, systems, method, reagents, and kits for conducting assays as well as process for their preparation are described. They are particularly well suited for conducting automated analysis in a multi-well plate assay format.