Systems, devices, and methods for automated sample thawing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for thawing cryogenically preserved cells and tissues are non-standardized, leading to variability in thawing protocols and potential cell damage due to inconsistent temperature control and exposure to cryoprotectants, which affects cell viability and experimental reproducibility across laboratories.
Innovation Solution
An automated system using sensors and predictive thawing algorithms to control the thawing process, ensuring consistent temperature profiles and minimizing exposure time to cryoprotectants by using a warming block with a microprocessor to determine the end of the thawing process based on temperature data and sample characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual thawing protocols are used with technician-dependent methods, then flexibility in operation is maintained, but consistency and reliability of cell recovery deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The thawing system performs self-monitoring and self-regulation through embedded temperature sensors and microprocessors that automatically track thawing progress and determine completion, eliminating the need for manual technician assessment and ensuring consistent, reliable cell recovery across different operations
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates real-time temperature feedback from sensors placed in contact with the sample container, which feeds into algorithms that dynamically adjust monitoring and determine thawing completion, providing consistent and reliable results independent of technician variability
2Speed
If rapid thawing is performed by increasing bath temperature, then thawing speed is improved, but temperature gradients and cell damage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the traditional mechanical water bath method with a controlled heating block that uses precise thermal regulation and algorithms to achieve rapid thawing without creating harmful temperature gradients, maintaining uniform heat distribution throughout the sample
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts heating parameters based on real-time temperature sensor feedback and sample characteristics, optimizing the thawing rate to be as fast as possible while preventing excessive temperature gradients and minimizing cell damage
3Reliability
If extended monitoring of thawed sample is performed, then cell viability is improved, but exposure to toxic cryoprotectants increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses real-time temperature feedback from sensors to continuously monitor thawing progress and automatically determines the precise moment when thawing is complete, enabling immediate removal of the sample from the heating block. This minimizes the time the sample spends at elevated temperatures where cryoprotectants are toxic, while ensuring complete thawing for optimal cell viability
4Reliability
If standardized automated thawing is implemented, then experimental reproducibility is improved, but equipment complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-monitoring and self-determination of thawing completion using embedded sensors and algorithms, providing standardized and reproducible results without requiring complex external monitoring equipment or highly trained operators, making the automation accessible and practical
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses algorithms that consider specific sample parameters such as volume, container type, and starting temperature to dynamically adjust monitoring and determine optimal thawing completion, providing standardized and reproducible results across different sample configurations without requiring complex manual calibration
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
Provides standardized and reproducible thawing processes, reducing cell damage and enhancing the reliability of experimental results by ensuring uniform thawing conditions across different laboratories.
Implementation Method 1
heating a warming block and receiving the sample container within the warming block
Implementation Method 2
compressing the pliable material to contact the sample container within the warming block
Implementation Method 3
During the transition from the cryogenic storage temperature to the conclusion of the phase change to a completely liquid state
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention generally relates to thawing a cryogenically frozen sample. A method of thawing a sample includes receiving a temperature data feed from one or more temperature sensors reporting an exterior surface temperature of a vessel, calculating a thaw end time based on the temperature data feed, and outputting a signal to interrupt thawing of the sample at the calculated thaw end time, the sample at the thaw end time having solid phase remaining. A method of thawing a cryogenic sample includes heating a sample container with a heater, determining a thaw start time for the cryogenic sample; determining an estimated thaw end time of the cryogenic sample based on the determined thaw start time of the cryogenic sample, the cryogenic sample at the estimated thaw end time having solid phase remaining; and stopping the heating of the sample container after the estimated thaw end time.