Automated Cell Preparation Instrument Reducing Manual Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current flow cytometry pre-treatment processes are labor-intensive, prone to human errors, and result in non-uniformity, with existing automation solutions still requiring manual intervention and leading to cell loss during centrifugation.
Innovation Solution
The InstruNor's FlowStainer system provides a fully automated 4-in-1 solution for cell preparation, incorporating a carousel/centrifuge with a 'swinging bucket' principle, motor-driven shaking, and pipetting capabilities, along with advanced software for flexible operation, reducing manual handling and cell loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual pre-treatment is performed, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but labor intensity increases and uniformity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate automated functions (pipetting, centrifugation, washing, resuspension) into a single integrated instrument. The robot arm coordinates these functions sequentially, eliminating the need for multiple separate manual operations while maintaining full automation throughout the cell preparation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument performs multiple functions through a single system: it can pipette reagents and samples, centrifuge samples, wash cells, resuspend pellets, and transfer samples between containers. This multi-functional design replaces several manual operations with one automated instrument, significantly reducing labor intensity while maintaining high automation level.
2Device complexity
If single vial centrifuge is used, then device complexity is reduced, but cell loss increases due to cells gathering on walls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a swinging bucket centrifuge where the centrifuge tubes are held in swingable holders that allow the tubes to assume a horizontal position during rotation. This dynamic configuration optimizes centrifugal force distribution, ensuring cells gather at the bottom of the tubes rather than on the walls, thereby minimizing cell loss while maintaining reasonable device complexity.
3Productivity
If multiple separate automated instruments are used, then specific functions are optimized, but manual intervention is still required and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple previously separate automated functions (pipetting, centrifugation, washing, resuspension) into one coordinated system. The robot arm serves as a central coordinator that seamlessly transitions between these functions, eliminating the need to manually transfer samples between separate instruments and achieving continuous automated processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument performs operations in continuous sequence without manual interruption. The robot arm pipettes reagents, initiates centrifugation, then immediately proceeds to washing and resuspension operations without requiring operator intervention between steps, maintaining continuous automated action throughout the entire cell preparation process.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If manual handling is performed, then adaptability to different protocols is maintained, but contamination risk and health issues increase
Solution Approach 1:
The automated instrument performs all cell preparation operations without human contact with samples or reagents. The robot arm and enclosed design allow the system to serve itself, eliminating contamination risks from manual handling while maintaining protocol flexibility through programmable sequences. The system can be programmed to follow different protocols without requiring physical reconfiguration or manual intervention.
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 system significantly reduces labor hours in laboratories, minimizes health issues for lab personnel, and ensures consistent, efficient cell preparation with reduced contamination and cell loss, enabling direct placement of samples into flow cytometers without manual handling.
Implementation Method 1
the vial rotates around its own axe... the cells in the sample will not gather in the bottom of the vial, but on the walls
Implementation Method 2
a titrating or shaking arm adapted to lift up the holder means in order to empty or pour out exceeding liquid within one of said sample containers... to individually shake the contents of said sample containers
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a system and apparatuses / devices capable of automatically performing the processes of cell treatment preparatory to flow cytometry and similar cytological studies in a fully automated and streamlined manner. The system and apparatuses/ devices are being adapted for preparation and (pre)processing of cell samples, e.g.blood and/or bone marrow samples.