Capillary Cryostorage Design With Self-Sealing Sample Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cryostorage devices for oocytes and embryos face challenges such as manual handling requirements, potential viral contamination, and issues with air trapping leading to capillary tube rupture during cryopreservation, along with complexities in loading and unloading samples.
Innovation Solution
A cryostorage device with a capillary straw and a self-sealing valve, compatible with manual or automated pipettes, allowing one-handed loading and unloading, and featuring a minimal thermal path for rapid cooling and warming, along with a protective cover to prevent direct contact with cooling media.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual handling is used for loading and unloading samples, then operational flexibility is maintained, but human error increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables self-service operation through its integrated design where the plunger mechanism automatically controls sample loading and unloading without requiring manual manipulation of separate components. The operator simply needs to press the plunger to load samples into the capillary tube and press again to unload, making the device serve itself while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The device merges multiple functions into a single integrated unit: the hollow body serves as both the sample loading chamber and the actuator for the plunger mechanism, while the capillary tube is permanently attached to form a unified sample transfer system. This combination eliminates the need for separate manual handling of multiple components, thereby improving efficiency while maintaining ease of operation.
2Ease of operation
If open system design is used, then ease of sample access is improved, but viral contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The capillary tube acts as an intermediary element between the external environment and the sample storage chamber. Samples are loaded into the sealed capillary tube through its open end, which can be briefly exposed to the external environment for sample introduction, while the sample itself remains isolated within the sealed tube. This intermediary structure allows easy sample access during loading while maintaining a closed system during storage and transport, thereby preventing viral contamination.
3Ease of operation
If air is trapped in the capillary tube during loading, then sample loading is simplified, but capillary tube rupture risk increases during cryopreservation
Solution Approach 1:
The design extracts the air removal function from a separate complex procedure and integrates it into the basic loading operation. By designing the capillary tube with an open end that allows air to escape during sample loading, the system automatically removes trapped air without requiring additional vacuum equipment or complex manipulation steps. The air is simply taken out through the open end as the sample is loaded, maintaining both operational simplicity and capillary tube integrity.
4Productivity
If rapid cooling and warming rates are implemented, then cryopreservation effectiveness is improved, but thermal stress on the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device applies local quality by concentrating the thermal interaction at specific locations rather than distributing it throughout the entire structure. The capillary tube, being thin-walled and having high surface-area-to-volume ratio, provides a localized thermal pathway that enables rapid heat transfer for quick freezing and thawing. The hollow body and plunger mechanism remain structurally robust and thermally isolated, maintaining structural integrity while allowing rapid thermal processing of the sample in the capillary tube.
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
Facilitates efficient, automated, and safe cryopreservation with reduced human error, minimizing device rupture risks and ensuring rapid cooling and warming rates while maintaining a closed system for regulatory compliance.
Implementation Method 1
a self-sealing valve configured to close said hollow body
Implementation Method 2
featuring a minimal thermal path for rapid cooling and warming
Implementation Method 3
wherein said hollow body is configured to expel said sample out of said cryostorage device
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are cryostorage devices, systems, and methods for cryopreservation or vitrification of biological materials, such as oocytes and embryos. These cryostorage devices can include a capillary straw with the dual functionality for loading/unloading a sample. The devices can also include a self-sealing mechanism and an adapter for coupling with pipettes to enable loading of a predetermined volume of sample. The devices can also include a removable cap to protect the capillary during long-term cryostorage. Methods described herein relate to the manual or automated use of such devices.