Chambered Mold for Biologic Microarray Block Construction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for constructing biologic microarrays are time-consuming, labor-intensive, and prone to tissue loss due to variable embedding depths of donor samples, lacking orientation control and requiring a recipient block.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus using a chambered mold for creating a partially embedded microarray block, followed by a completion mold for full embedding, ensures uniform embedding and eliminates the need for a recipient block, with an orientation mechanism for precise sample tracking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional methods are used to construct biologic microarrays by inserting tissue cores into cylindrical holes in a recipient block, then tissue orientation can be achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetissue orientationVSAvoidconstruction speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention pre-forms the recipient block with cylindrical holes at predetermined positions and orientations before inserting the tissue cores. This preliminary preparation of the block structure enables rapid assembly of multiple tissue samples without time-consuming manual positioning, thereby resolving the contradiction between achieving precise tissue orientation and maintaining high construction speed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The recipient block is segmented into multiple cylindrical holes, each capable of receiving a tissue core. This segmentation allows parallel processing of multiple samples simultaneously, increasing productivity while maintaining the orientation control provided by the pre-formed hole structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional methods are used with variable distances of tissue embedding from the cutting surface, then flexibility in sample placement is achieved, but tissue loss increases due to inconsistent embedding depths

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample placement flexibilityVSAvoidtissue loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The invention creates localized cylindrical cavities within the recipient block at precisely controlled depths and positions. Each cavity is tailored to receive a tissue core at a uniform distance from the cutting surface, ensuring consistent embedding depth across all samples while maintaining the flexibility to place samples at different locations within the block

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a molding process that employs liquid or semi-liquid matrix material which is then solidified to form the recipient block with precise cylindrical holes. This hydraulic/molding approach enables accurate control of hole depth and position, ensuring uniform tissue embedding depths that minimize tissue loss during sectioning

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

3Manufacturing precision

If a recipient block is used for embedding multiple donor samples, then tissue orientation control is achieved, but the device complexity and manufacturing steps increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetissue orientation controlVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention combines the recipient block structure with the embedding matrix material into a single integrated component. The cylindrical holes are formed directly within the solidifying matrix material, eliminating the need for separate recipient blocks and reducing the number of assembly steps, thereby maintaining orientation control while simplifying the overall device structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The recipient block is designed as a universal structure that can accommodate multiple different tissue samples from various donors in a single configuration. The standardized cylindrical holes provide consistent orientation control for all samples, making the device versatile for different microarray construction needs without requiring additional components or complex procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20240337569A1Apparatus for producing biologic microarray blocks, and method for manufacturing, and usage the same

Publication Date: 2024.10.10 ABUKHIRAN IBRAHIM

AI summary

This application introduces a chambered mold for tissue microarray blocks construction, addressing significant challenges in conventional methods. The chambered mold comprises main chambers, each with open end, allowing for insertion of donor samples in various forms. The method involves identifying parent samples, extracting donor samples, inserting them into main chambers, and subsequently adding matrix material. The chambered mold, serving as a casting system, holds the donor samples, cassette, and matrix material together, facilitating a uniform embedding process. The partially embedded microarray block is then subjected to completion embedding using a specialized mold or a fenestrated solid paraffin bar. This system's advantages include uniform tissue levels, ease of insertion, elimination of melting requirements, reusability, versatility in sample types, flexibility in donor tissue size, suitability for limited quantity tissues, absence of a recipient block, no disposable components, and avoidance of hot surface flattening, marking a transformative advancement in microarray construction.