Concentric Electrode Collection Device for Laser Microdissection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser microdissection systems face challenges in reliably transferring both neutral and electrostatically charged samples into collection vessels, particularly due to electrostatic charging issues that can lead to samples adhering to container edges or being lost during the transfer process, increasing throughput time and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A collection device with a pair of concentric electrodes generates a strongly divergent electric field within the collection container, utilizing dielectrophoresis to direct dielectric samples into the container, independent of their surface charge, ensuring reliable and efficient sample collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If gravity is used to transfer dissected samples into collection containers, then the transfer process is simple, but samples may adhere to container edges or be lost during transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the purely gravitational mechanical transfer system with an electric field-based transfer system. Electrodes are positioned to generate electric fields that interact with dielectric samples, providing controlled attraction into the collection container while avoiding adhesion to edges or loss during the transfer process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter used for sample transfer from gravity (mechanical force) to electric field interaction. By controlling voltage parameters and electrode configurations, the system achieves reliable sample collection while maintaining operational simplicity through automated field generation.
2Productivity
If electrostatic forces are used to attract samples, then transfer speed increases, but samples may adhere to container edges or be lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent refines the electrostatic approach by using controlled electric fields from positioned electrodes rather than uncontrolled electrostatic attraction. This substitution provides directed force application that increases transfer speed while preventing sample adhesion to edges or loss during the process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electric fields as an intermediary mechanism between the sample and collection container. The fields act as a mediating force that guides samples into the container without direct contact, preventing adhesion while maintaining high transfer speed through controlled field interaction.
3Productivity
If multiple collection containers are used to increase throughput, then productivity increases, but the complexity of managing and locating samples increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the collection system into multiple independently controllable containers, each with its own electrode configuration. This segmentation allows parallel processing of multiple samples, increasing throughput while maintaining manageable complexity through modular, independent control of each container's electric field and sample collection.
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
The dielectrophoresis-based collection method allows for quick and certain capture of dissected or ablated samples, reducing the risk of samples adhering to container edges and improving analysis efficiency by ensuring they collect in a predefined area, even for samples that are electrostatically charged or neutral.
Implementation Method 1
A collection device with a pair of concentric electrodes generates a strongly divergent electric field within the collection container, utilizing dielectrophoresis to direct dielectric samples into the container
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a collection device (50) for collecting specimens that were dissected or ablated from an object (3), comprising a collection container (56) for collecting the dissected or ablated specimens, and an electrode pair (57, 58), which is arranged on the side of the base of the collection container (56) facing away from the object (3), and comprising a voltage supply (53) for applying a voltage to the electrodes of the electrode pair (57, 58), wherein provision is made of a concentrically arranged electrode pair (57, 58) and wherein the voltage applied to the electrode pair (57, 58) produces a divergent electric field, at least in the region of the collection container (56), and a laser microscope system and a corresponding method for collecting dissected or ablated specimens.