Automated Batch Stainer for Immunohistochemistry Slides

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automated immunohistochemistry stainers process microscope slides sequentially, limiting efficiency and throughput as each slide is treated individually with processing fluids, whereas the new automated stainer enables batch processing of multiple slides simultaneously by moving slide racks through multiple processing fluids, optimizing the staining protocol and robotic movements.

Innovation Solution

The automated stainer incorporates a mechanical robotic arm, slide rack assemblies, multiple baths for processing fluids, a heating chamber, and software for calculating timing sequences and robotic movements, allowing for simultaneous treatment of multiple slides in batch and continuous runs, with the ability to process 50 to 70 slides before reagent replacement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If sequential processing is used to treat each slide individually with processing fluids, then each slide receives precise treatment, but processing time and throughput are significantly reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment precisionVSAvoidprocessing throughput

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple slides are merged into a single slide rack assembly that is immersed in processing fluids together, enabling simultaneous treatment of multiple slides in batch mode rather than sequential individual treatment, thereby increasing throughput while maintaining treatment consistency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The slide rack assembly serves as a universal carrier that can hold multiple slides and be treated uniformly in processing fluid baths, allowing the same processing protocol to be applied to multiple slides simultaneously through a single immersion operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If multiple slide racks are processed in parallel through multiple processing fluids, then processing efficiency is significantly improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The processing system is segmented into multiple independent processing fluid baths (e.g., antigen retrieval, blocking, primary antibody, secondary antibody, washing steps), allowing different chemical treatments to occur simultaneously in parallel, thereby increasing overall processing efficiency without requiring complex coordination

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The robotic arm serves as an intermediary that automatically transfers slide racks between processing fluid baths according to a predetermined sequence, eliminating the need for manual intervention and reducing operational complexity while enabling parallel processing of multiple slides through multiple baths

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If batch processing is implemented to treat multiple slides simultaneously, then throughput is increased, but reagent consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovethroughputVSAvoidreagent consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The batch processing is divided into multiple sequential processing steps with dedicated fluid baths for each step (antigen retrieval, blocking, primary antibody incubation, secondary antibody incubation, washing). This segmentation allows reagents to be used efficiently in controlled amounts for each specific function rather than using large volumes of single-purpose reagents

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Processing fluids are reused across multiple batches until exhaustion, and waste fluids are systematically managed through dedicated waste baths. The system maximizes reagent utilization by continuing to use processing fluids for 50-70 slides before replacement, thereby reducing overall reagent consumption while maintaining high throughput

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

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 significantly enhances processing efficiency, reducing run-times by about 50% compared to traditional stainers, enabling bulk antigen retrieval and simultaneous treatment of multiple slides, thereby improving the throughput and efficiency of immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization staining.

Implementation Method 1

a heating chamber capable of heating at least one slide rack assembly

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Data Source

PatentEP3207379B1Automated batch stainer for immunohistochemistry

Publication Date: 2023.05.24 PEDDINTI KAMAL PRASAD

Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C
Figure 1D~1E

AI summary

An automated batch stainer for staining biological specimens on microscope slides. The automated batch stainer includes a slide rack assembly configured to hold microscope slides, a robotic arm that manipulates the slide rack assembly, at least one bath containing reagents and capable of receiving the slide rack assemblies, a heating chamber capable of heating multiple slide rack assemblies, a bar code reader, at least one software program including a graphical user interface and configured to calculate the timing and sequence of the staining protocol and implement the staining protocol by controlling the movements of the robotic arm.