Cryogenic Sample Carrier Cooling with Multi-Nozzle Vitrification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for preparing cryogenic samples often result in inconsistent vitrification, particularly due to uneven cooling, which can lead to sample damage and reduced quality, especially when using mechanical contours that retain heat and affect heat transfer during the cooling process.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a substantially planar sample carrier with two conduits for cryogenic fluid, each with multiple nozzle openings to ensure even cooling from both sides, allowing for simultaneous vitrification of the central and peripheral parts of the sample carrier, thereby addressing the issue of heat transfer from mechanical contours and achieving more uniform cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a mechanical contour is used to support the sample carrier, then the structural stability is improved, but heat transfer uniformity deteriorates due to heat retention in the mechanical contour
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is segmented into multiple independent nozzle openings distributed across the mouthpiece, allowing different regions of the sample carrier to be cooled independently and simultaneously, compensating for the non-uniform heat transfer caused by the mechanical contour
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the sample carrier receive customized cooling through specifically positioned nozzle openings, with the central region and peripheral regions being cooled by separate nozzles to achieve uniform vitrification despite the heat retention effect of the mechanical contour
2Device complexity
If cooling is applied from one side only, then the device complexity is reduced, but cooling uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling approach transitions from one-dimensional (single side) to two-dimensional (both sides) cooling by adding a second mouthpiece with nozzle openings on the opposite side of the sample carrier, achieving superior cooling uniformity
Solution Approach 2:
Two cooling systems (front and back mouthpieces) are merged to work simultaneously on the same sample carrier, combining their cooling effects to achieve uniform temperature distribution across the entire sample
3Device complexity
If a single nozzle opening is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but vitrification consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The single nozzle opening is segmented into multiple nozzle openings (at least two) on each mouthpiece, allowing simultaneous cooling of different regions of the sample carrier to ensure consistent vitrification across the entire sample area
Solution Approach 2:
Different nozzle openings are positioned to provide localized cooling to specific regions of the sample carrier, with each nozzle targeting a particular area to ensure uniform vitrification quality across the entire sample
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
This approach leads to more consistent and improved sample quality by ensuring even vitrification across the entire sample carrier, reducing the risk of ice crystallization and maintaining the sample in an amorphous glass-like phase, thus enhancing the reliability of cryogenic sample preparation.
Implementation Method 1
pumping cryogenic fluid through said conduits so as to concurrently flush from said mouthpieces, thereby suddenly immersing the sample in cryogenic fluid
Implementation Method 2
maintaining the sample in an amorphous glass-like phase
Implementation Method 3
suddenly immersing the sample in cryogenic fluid from two opposite sides
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~2
Figure 3A
AI summary
The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for preparing a cryogenic sample, whereby the sample is subjected to rapid cooling using a cryogen. A pair of conduits for transporting cryogenic fluid are provided, each of which conduits opens out into a mouthpiece, which mouthpieces are arranged to face each other across an intervening gap, wherein in said gap a sample that is provided on a substantially planar sample carrier can be received. Cryogenic fluid can be pumped through said conduits so as to concurrently flush from said mouthpieces and suddenly immerse the sample in cryogenic fluid from two opposite sides. As defined herein, at least one of said mouthpieces comprises at least two nozzle openings for evenly cooling said substantially planar sample carrier during said flushing.