Reconfigurable Carrier Assembly for Multi-Substrate Assay Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing assay systems are limited to performing only one type of assay protocol, failing to accommodate diverse biological or chemical analysis methods that require different types of substrates, reagents, and optical configurations.
Innovation Solution
A re-configurable carrier assembly and assay system that can hold different substrates, such as flow cells and open-face substrates, allowing for multiple assay protocols by adjusting optical systems and fluid flow configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single substrate type is used in an assay system, then the system structure remains simple, but the system cannot accommodate diverse assay protocols requiring different substrates
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate modular components: a substrate holder assembly that can be removed and replaced, and a flow cell assembly that remains in the instrument. This segmentation allows different substrate types (flow cell substrates, open-face substrates, microarray substrates) to be accommodated by simply changing the holder assembly, without requiring changes to the core imaging and fluid delivery systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The substrate holder assembly is designed as a universal interface that can accommodate multiple different substrate types through a single standardized mounting mechanism. The holder assembly includes features such as alignment marks, mechanical clamps, and fluidic connections that work across all substrate types, enabling one component to serve multiple functions in different assay protocols.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple substrate types are accommodated by replacing entire system components, then substrate versatility is achieved, but system reconfiguration time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into a quick-change substrate holder assembly and a stationary flow cell assembly. The holder assembly can be rapidly removed and replaced without requiring disassembly of the entire system. This modular approach minimizes reconfiguration time when switching between different substrate types while maintaining full functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The substrate holder assembly is pre-configured with all necessary mounting features, alignment marks, and fluidic connections before insertion. This preliminary preparation ensures that once the assembly is inserted into the flow cell, the system is immediately ready for operation without requiring additional setup or adjustment time.
3Measurement precision
If different optical configurations are used for different assay protocols, then imaging accuracy is improved, but the system cannot efficiently switch between protocols
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system includes dynamically adjustable components such as variable confocal planes, adjustable aperture diaphragms, and switchable illumination modes that can be rapidly reconfigured through software control. This dynamic capability allows the system to optimize imaging parameters for different assay protocols without physical reconfiguration, maintaining both high imaging accuracy and efficient protocol switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves different optical configurations by changing operational parameters (focus depth, aperture size, illumination wavelength, detector gain) rather than changing physical components. These parameter changes are implemented through software control of the optical system, allowing rapid switching between protocols while maintaining optimal imaging conditions for each assay type.
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 the performance of multiple assay protocols on a single system, enhancing versatility and efficiency in biological or chemical analysis by accommodating various substrates and imaging techniques.
Implementation Method 1
a chemical moiety that includes an identifiable label (e.g., fluorescent label) may selectively bind to another chemical moiety under controlled conditions. These chemical reactions may be observed by exciting the labels with radiation and detecting light emissions from the labels.
Data Source
AI summary
Method includes positioning a first carrier assembly on a system stage. The carrier assembly includes a support frame having an inner frame edge that defines a window of the support frame. The first carrier assembly includes a first substrate that is positioned within the window and surrounded by the inner frame edge. The first substrate has a sample thereon. The method includes detecting optical signals from the sample of the first substrate. The method also includes replacing the first carrier assembly on the system stage with a second carrier assembly on the system stage. The second carrier assembly includes the support frame and an adapter plate held by the support frame. The second carrier assembly has a second substrate held by the adapter plate that has a sample thereon. The method also includes detecting optical signals from the sample of the second substrate.