Cellular Sample Barcoding With Concatenates for Spatial Cell Indexing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for analyzing cellular samples face challenges in distinguishing between different cell types and states, particularly in densely packed tissues, and managing large datasets from single-cell analysis, which complicates data interpretation and reproducibility.

Innovation Solution

Introduce a plurality of nucleic acid barcode elements into cells, generating a concatenate to index and track individual cells, using anchor elements for secure attachment and optical detection, and perform sequencing to associate spatial and genetic information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional bulk analysis techniques are used, then the analysis process is simple, but the resolution between different cell types and states is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecell type distinction resolutionVSAvoidanalysis method complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by introducing individual barcode elements into separate cells, allowing each cell to be uniquely identified and tracked. This divides the bulk sample into individually identifiable units, enabling resolution of cell type distinctions while maintaining manageable analysis complexity through systematic indexing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses barcode elements as intermediary molecules that bridge the gap between physical cells and digital data. These barcodes serve as mediators that encode cell identity information, enabling precise cell type distinction without requiring complex direct observation methods

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If single-cell analysis techniques are used, then the data resolution and cell type distinction are improved, but the computational complexity and data management difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecell state identification accuracyVSAvoiddata processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-introducing and pre-indexing barcode elements into cells before analysis. This preliminary indexing step organizes cell identity information in advance, reducing the computational burden during subsequent analysis by providing pre-structured identification data rather than requiring complex real-time characterization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses barcode elements as informational copies that represent cell identity. Instead of directly analyzing complex cell states computationally, the system creates simplified digital copies through barcodes that encode cell information, reducing computational complexity while maintaining identification accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Reliability

If barcode elements are introduced into cells, then the cell identification and tracking accuracy are improved, but the sample preparation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecell tracking accuracyVSAvoidsample preparation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the barcode element with the cell through introduction into the cell cytoplasm or nucleus. This combining approach integrates the identification function directly into the cell itself, improving tracking reliability while simplifying preparation by eliminating the need for separate labeling steps

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The barcode elements are designed to be self-retaining within cells through their introduction and stabilization in the cellular environment. This self-service characteristic allows the barcodes to maintain their identification function without requiring external intervention or complex preparation protocols

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20260074017A1Method for indexing a cellular sample
Publication Date: 2026.03.12 LEICA MICROSYSTEMS CMS GMBH
  • US20260074017A1 patent drawing
  • US20260074017A1 patent drawing
  • US20260074017A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for indexing a cellular sample is provided. The method includes introducing a plurality of nucleic acid barcode elements into at least one cell of the cellular sample. The method further includes generating a concatenate of at least some of the nucleic acid barcode elements in the at least one cell.