Cryogenic Sample Vial Sealing to Prevent Liquid Nitrogen Contamination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cryopreservation and vitrification containers face challenges in preventing cross-contamination of biological samples stored in liquid nitrogen due to inadequate sealing, which can compromise sample viability and safety.
Innovation Solution
A sealable cryocontainer with a variable diameter lumen and deformable sealing member, featuring a tapered external surface for secure engagement, along with radially outward projections for stability and secure closure, ensuring a leak-proof seal capable of withstanding extreme temperatures and high cooling rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional container without specialized sealing is used, then the container structure is simple, but cross-contamination of biological samples occurs due to inadequate sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into distinct functional components: a body portion, a closure member with sealing surface, and a deformable sealing member. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall reliability of the sealing system.
Solution Approach 2:
A deformable sealing member is introduced as an intermediary element between the container body and the closure member. This sealing member deforms under compression to create a reliable seal, mediating the connection between components and preventing cross-contamination without requiring complex integrated structures.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a sealable closure with deformable sealing member is added, then cross-contamination is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A deformable sealing member is used as a flexible element that can adapt to the container body geometry. This flexible sealing member creates an effective barrier against cross-contamination while maintaining relative structural simplicity compared to rigid sealed connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing member's deformability allows it to change its physical state or shape under compression forces when the closure is attached. This parameter change enables the sealing member to conform to the container body and create a reliable seal without requiring complex multi-component structures.
3Reliability
If the container is designed to withstand high cooling rates and extreme temperatures, then sample viability is maintained, but the container material and structure become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The container and sealing components are designed to undergo controlled dimensional changes in response to temperature variations and cooling rates. The deformable sealing member can accommodate thermal expansion and contraction, maintaining sealing integrity during cryopreservation and vitrification processes without requiring overly complex thermal management structures.
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 container effectively isolates biological samples from the external environment, preventing cross-contamination and maintaining sample integrity during cryopreservation and vitrification, even in liquid nitrogen storage, by providing a secure, impermeable seal that maintains sample viability and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a deformable sealing member having a tapered external surface configured for sealing engagement with the sealing portion of lumen internal surface
Implementation Method 2
a closure configured for removable attachment to the body. The closure preferably includes a capping member adapted for engagement with the proximal open end of the container and a deformable sealing member
Implementation Method 3
suitable for storage in liquid nitrogen
Implementation Method 4
The rapid cooling of the biological sample results in the sample becoming trapped in a glassy matrix (e.g. vitrified)
Data Source
AI summary
A container or vial for the cryopreservation and/or vitrification and storage of a biological sample, including cellular samples and embryos is described. The container comprises a sealable closure that isolates a biological sample held in the container lumen from the external environment and is suitable for storage of the sample in liquid nitrogen. Methods for introducing and sealing biological samples within the container for cryopreservation and/or vitrification and storage are also described.