Consumable Slide Stainer Modules for Sealed Reagent Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automated slide processing machines are large, unsuitable for small laboratories, prone to reagent degradation and contamination, and limited in staining protocols due to limited reagent bottles, leading to inconsistent staining and workflow disruptions.
Innovation Solution
A consumable stainer unit with integrated reagent dispensing elements, sealed reagent holders, and waste containers, capable of robotically applying reagents to microscope slides, minimizing evaporation and cross-contamination, and allowing for single-use protocols to enhance staining effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional automated pipetting systems are used for high-volume slide processing, then productivity is improved, but device complexity and size increase making them unsuitable for small laboratories
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into modular components: a reusable instrument platform and disposable stainer units. Each stainer unit is a self-contained module with integrated reagent reservoirs, flow cells, and waste containers, allowing the main instrument to remain compact while maintaining high-throughput capability through automated processing of multiple discrete units.
Solution Approach 2:
The stainer unit integrates multiple functional elements within a nested structure: reagent reservoirs are contained within the stainer unit housing, flow cells are positioned within the instrument chamber, and waste containers are integrated into the same compact footprint. This nesting allows high functionality in a small form factor.
2Ease of operation
If reagents are exposed to air during automated pipetting, then ease of operation is improved, but reagent degradation and contamination increase leading to inconsistent staining
Solution Approach 1:
Reagents are stored in sealed reservoirs within the stainer unit that maintain an inert or controlled atmosphere until dispensing. The flow cell system allows reagents to be delivered directly to the specimen without prolonged exposure to ambient air, minimizing oxidation and contamination while maintaining automated dispensing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous sealed containment of reagents from storage through dispensing to the flow cell. The automated liquid handling system operates continuously without requiring opening of reagent containers, ensuring reagents remain protected from air exposure throughout the entire processing sequence.
3Device complexity
If reagent bottles are limited in number, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability decreases limiting the number of staining protocols
Solution Approach 1:
The stainer unit is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple different reagent configurations within a single unit. Each stainer unit can be programmed with different staining protocols by loading appropriate reagents into its reservoirs, allowing one physical device to perform multiple staining functions without requiring separate instruments for each protocol.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic reconfiguration of reagent assignments within the stainer unit. Reagent reservoirs can be programmed to deliver different substances in different sequences based on the selected staining protocol, providing versatility through software-controlled flexibility rather than physical reconfiguration.
4Ease of operation
If manual reagent application is used, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision decreases resulting in inconsistent processing
Solution Approach 1:
The stainer unit incorporates automated liquid handling mechanisms that self-regulate reagent dispensing volumes and timing. The system automatically controls the liquid flow from reservoirs through the flow cell, eliminating variability introduced by manual pipetting while maintaining operational simplicity through pre-programmed protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors and control mechanisms that monitor reagent delivery and processing conditions in real-time. This feedback ensures consistent dispensing volumes and timing, maintaining manufacturing precision while the operator simply selects from pre-configured staining protocols.
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 system ensures consistent staining by controlling reagent characteristics, minimizing waste, and reducing workflow disruptions, while being compact enough for use in small laboratories.
Implementation Method 1
a gasket positioned to sealingly contact a specimen-bearing surface of the microscope slide to define a reaction chamber that is between the cover and the specimen-bearing surface
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods that enable automated processing of specimens carried on microscope slides are described herein. Aspects of the technology are directed, for example, to automated specimen processing systems configured to use microfluidic slide processing modules to robotically process tissue specimens. The slide processing modules can include reagents and a flow cell with a reaction chamber for holding the tissue specimens and reagent.