Integrated Cell Deposition and Imaging Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current biological analysis technologies rely on independent, single-function processes that are inefficient and require extensive manual operation, limiting high-throughput methodologies and preventing real-time observation of morphological changes in living cells, especially in high-throughput methods.
Innovation Solution
A cell deposition and imaging apparatus that integrates a printing mechanism for depositing multiple cell-carrying fluid samples onto a substrate and an imaging system for simultaneous imaging, allowing for automated, high-precision, and high-throughput biological experiments without user interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple independent single-function devices are used to perform biological analysis, then each device can perform its specific function, but the overall workflow becomes complex and requires extensive manual operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple independent functions (cell deposition, incubation, and imaging) into a single integrated apparatus. The printing mechanism deposits cells onto a substrate, the same substrate is then imaged by the imaging system, and incubation can be performed in between, all within one device. This eliminates the need to manually transfer samples between multiple separate devices, thereby reducing workflow complexity while maintaining all necessary functional capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus is designed as a multi-functional system where a single device performs deposition, incubation, and imaging functions. The substrate serves as a universal platform that can be processed through different stages within the same apparatus, allowing one device to replace multiple specialized instruments and reduce the need for extensive manual operation.
2Measurement precision
If samples are measured one-at-a-time using classical microscopy methods, then detailed observation is possible, but time variation between samples increases and statistical relevance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system divides the large substrate containing multiple samples into smaller regions that can be imaged sequentially. The imager captures images of different regions of the substrate, and these images are then assembled to form a complete view of all samples. This allows multiple samples to be imaged in a single continuous operation, eliminating time variation between samples while maintaining detailed observation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates optical copies of multiple samples simultaneously by imaging the entire substrate or large portions of it in one operation. Instead of physically examining each sample individually over time, the imaging system captures optical images of all samples, allowing detailed observation of multiple samples without time variation.
3Measurement precision
If the imaging region is smaller than the target area, then the imager can achieve higher resolution, but imaging the entire target area requires moving the target area relative to the imager
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic relative movement between the imager and the substrate to overcome the limitation of the imager's field of view. The transportation system moves the substrate relative to the stationary imager, allowing the imager to capture different regions of the large substrate sequentially. This dynamic approach maintains high resolution while enabling complete coverage of the entire target area, thereby achieving both high measurement precision and acceptable productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A cell deposition and imaging apparatus comprises: a printing mechanism comprising at least one channel, the at least one channel of the printing mechanism arranged to: receive a sample of a cell-carrying fluid comprising at least one cell-type; and deposit the sample of the cell-carrying fluid onto a target area of a substrate, an imaging system arranged to image the target area; and a transportation system arranged to move the target area between a printing position, in which the target area is located substantially adjacent to the printing mechanism, and an imaging position, in which the target area is located substantially adjacent to the imaging system; wherein the imaging system comprises an imager capable of imaging a region of the substrate wherein the region is smaller than the target area and the imaging system is arranged to image all of the target area by moving the target area relative to the imager.