Cell Sample Preparation for Multi-Technique Correlation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional cell-based imaging and mass cytometry techniques require separate cell samples, leading to uncertainties when combining results for enhanced cellular analysis.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that allow for multi-dimensional analysis of cells by preparing them for both techniques, using elemental tags and laser ablation to identify candidate cells, and then applying mass cytometry for detection, enabling direct correlation of results with cellular properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate cell samples are used for cell-based imaging and mass cytometry techniques, then each technique can be performed with dedicated samples, but uncertainties arise when combining results for enhanced cellular analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges cell-based imaging and mass cytometry workflows by using the same cell sample for both techniques. The cell sample undergoes immunocytochemistry/immunohistochemistry first, then the same sample is processed for mass cytometry with metal-conjugated antibodies, eliminating the need for separate samples and enabling direct correlation of results from both techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the cell sample universal by designing it to serve multiple functions: it can be analyzed by both cell-based imaging techniques (using fluorescent/luminescent markers) and mass cytometry techniques (using metal-conjugated antibodies). This multi-functionality allows a single sample to provide data for both analytical approaches, improving reliability while managing complexity through integrated sample preparation protocols.
2Loss of information
If traditional cell-based imaging techniques are used, then structural features and markers can be visualized, but the dimension of cellular analysis is limited compared to mass cytometry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameters by introducing metal-conjugated antibodies that can be detected by mass cytometry in addition to traditional fluorescent/luminescent markers. This parameter change enables simultaneous detection of multiple cellular properties (proteins, metabolites, lipids, carbohydrates) with high dimensional resolution, as mass cytometry can distinguish between multiple metal isotopes simultaneously, overcoming the limitations of traditional imaging techniques.
3Productivity
If cells are labeled with metal conjugated antibodies for mass cytometry, then simultaneous elemental analysis can be performed, but separate dedicated samples are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the workflows by processing the same cell sample through both imaging and mass cytometry protocols. The cell sample is first subjected to immunocytochemistry/immunohistochemistry, then the same sample is processed for mass cytometry with metal-conjugated antibodies. This merging eliminates sample-to-sample variability and enables direct correlation of results, improving reliability while maintaining the high productivity of simultaneous multi-parameter detection.
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 accurate, multi-dimensional cellular analysis by preserving conditions for each technique and correlating results from mass cytometry with specific cellular properties, improving the dimensionality of cellular information without substantial interference.
Implementation Method 1
directing at least one laser pulse onto the candidate cell at the recorded location and generating a discrete plume for each of the at least one laser pulse
Implementation Method 2
introducing each of the discrete plume into an inductively coupled plasma and generating groups of elemental ions corresponding with each of the more than one distinct elemental tag
Data Source
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AI summary
A combination of mutually exclusive cell-based analytical techniques can be applied to the same group of cells for analysis. The same group of cells can be prepared for analysis by each technique resulting with candidate cells targeted for mass cytometry analysis. This configuration allows for the correlation of the information between each technique to produce a matrix of multi dimension of cellular information with the same group of cells.