Bio-Sample Extraction Cartridge With Vacuum Film Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for extracting specific biological targets from patient samples, such as cancer cells, are inefficient and require manual dissection, leading to poor signal-to-noise ratios and confounding by non-cancerous cells, which complicates genetic and molecular screening.
Innovation Solution
The use of bio-cartridges with a film substrate that adheres to target regions of interest on a biological sample, followed by vacuum suction to extract and isolate these regions, which can be integrated with automated or robotic processing systems for further analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual dissection techniques are used to extract specific biological targets, then the extraction process can be performed with simple equipment, but the signal-to-noise ratio is poor and the extraction efficiency is low due to contamination by non-cancerous cells
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical dissection with a automated system that uses optical guidance (imaging system) to identify target regions, followed by precise mechanical extraction through a specialized device. This substitution enables automated high-throughput processing while maintaining high precision in target identification and extraction, thereby improving both signal-to-noise ratio and extraction efficiency simultaneously.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual dissection methods are used, then the equipment complexity is low, but the extraction purity is poor due to contamination from surrounding non-cancerous cells
Solution Approach 1:
The extraction device is divided into distinct functional modules: an imaging system for target identification, a positioning system for locating target regions, and an extraction mechanism for isolating targets. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function with high precision, improving extraction purity while organizing the complexity into manageable, specialized subsystems rather than a single complex manual process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an imaging system as an intermediary between the operator and the biological sample. This intermediary captures images of the sample, identifies target regions (such as cancer cells), and guides the extraction process, thereby enabling precise extraction without direct manual contact and reducing contamination from surrounding non-cancerous cells.
3Productivity
If automated processing systems are integrated, then the extraction efficiency and purity improve, but the device complexity and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into an integrated automated system: the imaging system, positioning system, and extraction mechanism work together as a unified device. This merging allows the system to perform target identification, localization, and extraction in a seamless automated workflow, improving extraction efficiency while reducing operational complexity compared to coordinating multiple separate manual processes.
4Measurement precision
If focal alteration of transfer surface is used to selectively separate targets, then the extraction precision improves, but the process time increases due to the multi-step activation process
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer surface is pre-prepared with specific properties (such as thermoplastic material or antibody coating) before the extraction process begins. This preliminary preparation allows the surface to be rapidly activated through simple stimuli (heat, light, or chemical trigger) during the actual extraction, reducing the time required for focal alteration while maintaining high extraction precision.
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 efficient purification and extraction of target molecules, improving the signal-to-noise ratio and facilitating automated integration with diagnostic and treatment workflows, enhancing genetic and molecular screening accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a film substrate that adheres to target regions of interest on a biological sample
Implementation Method 2
followed by vacuum suction to extract and isolate these regions
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed invention provides a cartridge, method and cartridge processing systems for molecular tests that include extracting one or more biological materials from a tissue. The cartridge includes a base having a receptacle inside the base, a lid placed over the receptacle, and a gasket in the base. The base includes a transparent window placed under the receptacle, and the receptacle contains a slide on which the tissue is disposed. A film is disposed on an inner surface of the lid, and the film is suitable to extract the one or more biological materials from the tissue. The gasket surrounds the slide, and the lid creates a sealed chamber around the gasket that encloses the slide, and vacuum suction is applied through a port of the base to press the film against the tissue on the slide.