Blister Pack Reagent Dispensing for High-Throughput Assays

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Solution Overview

Problem

High-throughput biomedical assays face challenges with cross-contamination and reduced accuracy due to the dispersion of multiple target-specific reagents onto biological samples, leading to inefficiencies in sample analysis.

Innovation Solution

A blister pack system with a frangible seal and actuator mechanism that precisely dispenses a fixed volume of reagents onto a substrate, minimizing cross-contamination and ensuring high accuracy by using a blister pack with a base and top layer housing a liquid reagent, and a piercing member to release the reagent through a nozzle.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple target-specific reagents are dispensed onto biological samples using flow systems, then high-throughput assay capability is improved, but cross-contamination between reagents occurs and accuracy is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehigh-throughput assay capabilityVSAvoidaccuracy of assays
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the reagent dispensing function into separate, isolated units - individual blisters for each reagent. Each blister is a self-contained unit that prevents cross-contamination while enabling high-throughput processing of multiple reagents through parallel or sequential dispensing operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The blister pack serves as an intermediary device between reagent storage and the biological sample. It provides a controlled interface that allows precise dispensing of fixed volumes while preventing direct contact and potential cross-contamination between different reagent sources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If multiple target-specific reagents are dispensed onto biological samples, then high-throughput assay capability is improved, but cross-contamination between reagents occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehigh-throughput assay capabilityVSAvoidcross-contamination between reagents
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Each reagent is enclosed in its own sealed blister, creating physical separation that eliminates cross-contamination. The segmented design allows multiple reagents to be processed in high-throughput applications without harmful interactions between them.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The blister packs are designed as disposable single-use units. Each blister is sealed and intended for one-time dispensing, ensuring that reagents never come into contact with other reagents or contaminated surfaces, thereby preventing cross-contamination entirely.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Manufacturing precision

If a frangible seal and actuator mechanism are used for precise reagent dispensing, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity is increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of reagent dispensingVSAvoidcomplexity of blister pack system
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The frangible seal is designed to break automatically when a specific force is applied by the actuator, providing self-regulating precision dispensing. The seal's mechanical design ensures it breaks at the correct moment and location, eliminating the need for complex control systems while maintaining high precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The frangible seal is engineered with specific mechanical properties that change at a critical threshold. When the actuator applies sufficient force, the seal's structural parameters change, causing it to break and release the reagent. This parameter-based control achieves precise dispensing with relatively simple actuation mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 enables precise and accurate dispensing of reagents, reducing cross-contamination and enhancing the accuracy of high-throughput assays by ensuring controlled release of reagents onto biological samples.

Implementation Method 1

The blister has a frangible seal, e.g., in the base or internal layer. In some embodiments, the actuator is configured to apply a force to the piercing member. In some embodiments, the actuator is configured to apply a force to the top layer of the blister.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFrangible seal breakage: Fracture Mechanics

Implementation Method 2

The actuator breaks the frangible seal by compressing the blister.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical compression: Compression

Implementation Method 3

the blister pack includes a piercing member configured to pierce the internal layer. In some embodiments, the actuator pushes the piercing member into the base or internal layer by compressing the blister.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical piercing: Fracture Mechanics

Data Source

PatentUS20230312209A1Blister packs and uses thereof
Publication Date: 2023.10.05 10X GENOMICS INC
  • US20230312209A1 patent drawing
  • US20230312209A1 patent drawing
  • US20230312209A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems that include blister packs and methods of use thereof are disclosed. In various embodiments, a system includes a blister pack having at least one blister comprising a base and a top layer. The blister contains a liquid reagent. The system further includes an actuator configured to release the liquid reagent from the blister. The system further includes a substrate configured to hold a tissue sample and receive the liquid reagent from the blister upon release.