Automated Cryo-Carrier Handling for Consistent Vitrification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current manual vitrification cryopreservation processes are cumbersome and operator-dependent, leading to variability in clinical outcomes due to varying levels of proficiency and training.
Innovation Solution
An automated vitrification cryopreservation system with a control mechanism, drive system, and fixing member to secure and control the movement of cryo-carriers, enabling automated immersion in cryoprotectants and cryogenic agents for consistent vitrification-freezing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual vitrification cryopreservation process is used, then operator flexibility is maintained, but clinical outcome variability increases due to varying proficiency levels
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service automation where the automated device performs all critical cryopreservation steps including cryoprotectant equilibration, carrier loading, and liquid nitrogen immersion without human intervention, eliminating operator-dependent variability while maintaining standardized protocol execution
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical operations are replaced with an automated mechanical system featuring programmable motors, precision positioning mechanisms, and automated liquid handling systems that execute cryopreservation protocols with repeatable precision regardless of operator skill level
2Productivity
If manual operations are used for cryoprotectant equilibration and carrier loading, then process simplicity is maintained, but time consumption and labor intensity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous automated operations where cryoprotectant equilibration, carrier loading, and cryogenic immersion occur in seamless succession without manual intervention between steps, maximizing throughput and eliminating idle time between process stages
Solution Approach 2:
The automated device integrates multiple functions including liquid dispensing, carrier manipulation, temperature control, and cryogenic immersion into a single multi-functional platform, reducing overall system complexity while achieving high productivity through functional integration
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 achieves consistent and efficient vitrification-freezing by automating the process, reducing variability and improving repeatability and work efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The control mechanism achieves the operations of immersing the sample on the cryo-carrier in cryoprotectant and removing the cryoprotectant (detaching from the cryoprotectant) by controlling the flipping, lifting and translation of the cryo-carrier
Implementation Method 2
The basic principle of vitrification cryopreservation involves freezing the biological sample in an ultra-low temperature environment using a high concentration cryoprotectant, forming an irregular glassy solid (vitrified state)
Implementation Method 3
The grid facilitates heat transfer in all directions, thereby increasing the cooling rate during vitrification-freezing
Data Source
AI summary
An automated processing system for vitrification-cryopreservation comprising a control mechanism for fixing and controlling the displacement of a cryo-carrier holding thereon samples to undergo vitrification-cryopreservation. The control mechanism achieves operations such as flipping, lifting, and translation of the cryo-carrier, thereby immersing or detaching the samples to be cryopreserved on the cryo-carrier from the cryoprotectant. The control mechanism can also transport the cryo-carrier to a cryogenic device and immerse the samples to be cryopreserved in the refrigerant for freezing.