Decoupled Transfer Apparatus for Sterile Biological Sample Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for transferring biological samples from a substrate to a vessel often result in contamination and physical alteration of the sample, with issues such as electrostatic discharge and difficulty in removing the sample from metal surfaces, leading to inefficient processing.
Innovation Solution
A transfer apparatus with a transfer end and handle end, where the transfer end is designed for sterile sample collection and can be decoupled from the handle end, allowing it to be placed within a vessel for subsequent processing, such as focused acoustic treatment, minimizing contamination and electrostatic issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional metal tools are used to transfer samples from substrate to vessel, then sample collection is efficient, but sample contamination and electrostatic discharge occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a transfer apparatus as an intermediary tool between the substrate and vessel. This transfer apparatus includes a transfer end that contacts the sample and a handle end for manipulation, with a coupling mechanism allowing decoupling. The transfer apparatus serves as a mediator that enables sample transfer without direct contact between metal tools and the sample, thereby reducing contamination and electrostatic discharge while maintaining collection efficiency.
2Ease of manufacture
If sample is transferred multiple times from substrate to vessel, then processing can be performed, but sample recovery decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the transfer function and processing capability into a single integrated system. The transfer apparatus is designed to be decoupled and placed inside the vessel, allowing the sample to remain in the vessel throughout processing. This merging of transfer and processing functions eliminates the need for separate transfer steps, thereby preventing sample loss while maintaining processing capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If transfer apparatus includes decoupling mechanism, then sample can be isolated in vessel for processing, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer apparatus is segmented into distinct functional components: a transfer end for sample contact, a handle end for manipulation, and a coupling mechanism for attachment/detachment. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while enabling the overall system to provide sample isolation capability. The modular design manages complexity by creating clearly defined, interchangeable parts.
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 transfer apparatus enables high recovery and sterile transfer of biological samples with reduced contamination and electrostatic charge, facilitating efficient processing without altering the sample, such as in focused acoustic treatment.
Implementation Method 1
an acoustic energy source configured to generate focused acoustic energy having a frequency of about 100 kHz to 100 MHz through a wall of the vessel to expose the sample material to a focal zone of acoustic energy located within the internal volume of the vessel
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are described for transfer of tissue samples from a substrate to a vessel, for subsequent processing (e.g., focused acoustic treatment) within the vessel. A transfer apparatus, having a transfer end and a handle end, may be used to collect a sample material from the substrate. When the sample material is collected from the substrate, the transfer end may be placed within a vessel for treatment of the sample material while the transfer end is also located within the vessel. In some embodiments, the transfer end may be decoupled or otherwise separated from the handle end so that only the transfer end portion of the transfer apparatus is located within the vessel during treatment.