Biological Sensor Processing System with Parallel Hybridization
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Solution Overview
Problem
The processing of biological microarrays, particularly in fluidic systems, faces challenges in automation and cost reduction, necessitating improved techniques to enhance efficiency and reduce cross-contamination.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for processing biological sensors that includes a support component for a fluidic component with multiple containers, a hybridization component, and a transport component with a gripper and motor, enabling simultaneous and automated hybridization, washing, staining, and scanning processes, while minimizing cross-contamination by using each well for a single process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a fluidic system is used to process biological microarrays, then automation is improved, but cross-contamination between samples increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the processing workflow into separate modules (hybridization module, washing module, staining module, scanning module), with each module handling a specific process step. This segmentation prevents cross-contamination by isolating different processing functions while maintaining automation through coordinated operation of discrete components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and separates the fluidic handling functions from the processing chambers. Dedicated fluidic channels and reservoirs are provided for each process step, removing the risk of cross-contamination by ensuring that fluids from different processes never mix, while maintaining full automation through programmed fluid delivery.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple sensors are processed sequentially, then cross-contamination is minimized, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple processing operations by providing a plurality of processing chambers that can operate simultaneously. Each chamber processes one or more sensors, and all chambers work in parallel rather than sequentially, thereby increasing throughput while maintaining contamination prevention through physical separation of chambers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from sequential processing (one dimension of time) to parallel processing by adding spatial dimensionality with multiple processing chambers arranged simultaneously. This allows multiple sensors to be processed at the same time across different spatial locations, dramatically increasing productivity without compromising contamination control.
3Productivity
If the system processes a large number of microarrays, then productivity improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs universal components that can handle multiple functions. For example, the transport mechanism serves both to move sensors between chambers and to position them for processing. The fluidic system uses standardized reservoirs and channels that can deliver different reagents through the same infrastructure, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high throughput capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates self-service features where the processing chambers and fluidic components are designed to automatically perform their functions without complex external control for each individual operation. The system self-regulates fluid flow, temperature, and timing, reducing the complexity of control systems while enabling processing of large numbers of microarrays.
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
The system achieves automated and integrated processing of biological sensors, improving throughput, reducing system size, and minimizing cross-contamination by allowing parallel processing and simultaneous handling of multiple sensors, thereby enhancing the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of microarray processing.
Implementation Method 1
a hybridization component configured to perform a hybridization process on a first sensor and a second sensor based on at least information associated with a predetermined temperature
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for processing biological sensors. The system includes a support component configured to support a fluidic component. The fluidic component includes at least a first container and a second container. The first container is capable of holding a first volume of a first fluid, and the second container is capable of holding a second volume of a second fluid. Additionally, the system includes a hybridization component configured to perform a hybridization process on a first sensor and a second sensor. Moreover, the system includes a transport component configured to move the first sensor, directly or indirectly, from the hybridization component into the first container and in contact with the first volume of the first fluid.