Cytological Staining Solution for Uniform Biological Sample Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cytological staining methods often result in poor staining quality, requiring large volumes of processing fluids and leading to non-specific staining and high variability in specimen preparation.
Innovation Solution
A cytological staining solution comprising Eosin Y, bis-tris or phosphate buffer, polysorbate 20, sodium chloride, ethylene glycol, and an antimicrobial agent, optimized for rapid and uniform specimen preparation with minimal fluid usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional cytological staining methods are used, then staining can be achieved, but staining quality is poor and non-specific staining occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical parameters of the staining solution by incorporating specific concentrations of polysorbate 20 (0.01-10%), ethylene glycol (5-50%), and controlled pH levels (5.8-6.2). These parameter changes optimize the staining mechanism to achieve high-contrast, specific staining while reducing non-specific binding, directly resolving the contradiction between staining quality and staining specificity.
Solution Approach 2:
The staining solution uses a composite formulation combining multiple agents: Eosin Y dye, polysorbate 20 surfactant, ethylene glycol, buffer salts, and antimicrobial agents. This composite material approach creates a synergistic effect where each component contributes to specific staining characteristics, improving both staining quality and specificity simultaneously.
2Productivity
If conventional staining methods are used, then specimens can be processed, but large volumes of processing fluids are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the concentration parameters of staining components to enhance staining efficiency. By adjusting the concentration of Eosin Y (0.5-5.0 g/L), polysorbate 20 (0.01-10%), and other components, the solution achieves effective staining with reduced fluid volumes, thereby maintaining productivity while reducing substance loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a highly efficient staining formulation that replicates the effectiveness of conventional large-volume processing with minimal fluid quantities. The optimized formula allows the same staining results to be achieved using significantly less fluid, addressing both productivity and fluid consumption concerns.
3Productivity
If conventional staining methods are used, then specimens can be prepared, but high variability in specimen preparation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes controlled parameter ranges including pH (5.8-6.2), temperature (room temperature operation), and specific concentrations of staining components. These controlled parameters ensure consistent, uniform staining results across multiple specimens, eliminating variability while maintaining rapid processing speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces polysorbate 20 as an intermediary surfactant that mediates between the staining dye and biological specimens. This intermediary component ensures uniform distribution and consistent staining patterns, reducing variability while maintaining processing efficiency.
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional staining solutions are used, then staining can be performed, but operational costs and waste increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the concentration parameters to reduce the total volume of staining solution required. By adjusting Eosin Y concentration (0.5-5.0 g/L), polysorbate 20 (0.01-10%), and other components, the formulation achieves effective staining with minimal fluid consumption, thereby reducing operational costs and waste while maintaining process simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a cost-efficient staining formulation that replicates the effectiveness of expensive conventional solutions using cheaper components in optimized concentrations. The formula uses readily available materials like Eosin Y, polysorbate 20, and common buffers, reducing material costs while minimizing waste through reduced fluid volumes.
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 solution enables high-contrast, selective staining of biological samples with low fluid consumption, achieving rapid and uniform processing of specimens while reducing operational costs and waste.
Implementation Method 1
a cytological staining solution consisting of about 0.5 g/L to about 5.0 g/L Eosin Y
Implementation Method 2
about 0.5 mL/L to about 2.0 mL/L polysorbate 20
Implementation Method 3
about five mL/L to about 50 mL/L ethylene glycol
Implementation Method 4
about 5 mM to about 250 mM bis-tris or phosphate buffer, wherein the solution has a pH of from about 5.8 to about 6.2
Implementation Method 5
about 0.2 ppm to about 50 ppm of an antimicrobial agent
Data Source
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AI summary
The formulations, systems, and methods disclosed herein permit automated preparation of specimens (e.g., biological specimens) for examination. The disclosed formulations, systems, and methods provide fast, efficient, and highly uniform specimen processing using minimal quantities of fluids. The methods include at least a fixing phase for fixing a specimen to a substrate such as a microscope slide, a staining phase for staining the specimen, and a rinsing phase for rinsing the specimen. One or more of the fixing, staining, and rinsing phases include one or more agitation phases for distributing reagents evenly and uniformly across the specimen. The systems can be implemented as a standalone device or as a component in a larger system for preparing and examining specimens.