Biological Sample Imaging With Continuous Reagent Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for preparing, imaging, and archiving biological samples face challenges in rapid processing under time pressure, with delays impacting subsequent stages and sample degradation, particularly in histopathology, requiring efficient methods to reduce degradation and enable timely imaging and long-term archiving.
Innovation Solution
A method involving contacting the biological sample with an imaging reagent for imaging, followed by a mounting reagent for archiving, while maintaining continuous contact with reagents to prevent drying, using miscible liquids to streamline the process and ensure high-quality imaging and long-term preservation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If the biological sample is contacted with a mounting reagent for archiving, then long-term preservation is achieved, but imaging cannot be performed during the extended setting time
Solution Approach 1:
An imaging reagent is introduced as an intermediary substance that enables imaging during the archiving process. The imaging reagent has optical properties that allow for high-quality imaging while being compatible with the mounting reagent, thus enabling both imaging and archiving to occur simultaneously without compromising either function
Solution Approach 2:
The method allows the biological sample to remain in contact with reagents continuously from imaging through archiving. By using an imaging reagent that is compatible with the mounting reagent, the sample never needs to be removed or dried, enabling continuous useful action throughout the entire process from imaging to long-term preservation
2Productivity
If the biological sample is left exposed during processing, then processing speed increases, but sample degradation and drying artifacts occur
Solution Approach 1:
The biological sample remains continuously covered with reagents throughout the entire process from imaging to archiving. This continuous coverage prevents exposure to air and eliminates drying artifacts, while the streamlined reagent transition maintains rapid processing speed without compromising sample fidelity
Solution Approach 2:
The method changes the physical state parameters by maintaining the sample in a wet, reagent-covered state throughout processing. This parameter change from exposed/drying to continuously covered/wet prevents degradation while enabling rapid processing, as the sample never undergoes the harmful drying phase
3Reliability
If traditional archiving methods are used with extended mounting reagent setting time, then sample preservation is achieved, but subsequent imaging and analysis are delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The method performs imaging continuously during the mounting reagent setting process by using an imaging reagent that remains compatible with the mounting reagent. This eliminates the sequential delay where imaging would have to wait for the mounting reagent to set, reducing turnaround time while maintaining sample preservation
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging reagent acts as a mediator that bridges the imaging process and the archiving process. It allows imaging to occur during the setting time of the mounting reagent, thus eliminating the time delay between archiving and imaging while ensuring both functions are performed with high quality
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
Enables rapid imaging and efficient archiving of biological samples with high fidelity, reducing drying artifacts and allowing for consistent quality and reproducibility, particularly suitable for pathological analyses.
Implementation Method 1
the imaging reagent has a refractive index that is similar to at least one of water, the material of the sample carrier, and the material of a front lens of an optical system of the imaging device
Implementation Method 2
contacting the biological sample with a mounting reagent for archiving the biological sample
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for imaging biological samples comprising the following steps: a) providing a biological sample on a sample carrier; b) contacting the biological sample with an imaging reagent; c) imaging the biological sample, whilst the biological sample is in contact with the imaging reagent; and d) contacting the biological sample with a mounting reagent.