Deparaffinizing Composition for Biological Samples
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for removing paraffin from biological samples are complex, time-consuming, and require hazardous solvents, with existing compositions failing to completely remove paraffin from beneath tissue sections, which interferes with microscopic examination.
Innovation Solution
A deparaffinizing composition comprising a first apolar paraffin solvent, a second apolar solvent partially miscible with water, a first polar solvent miscible with both water and apolar solvents, and a detergent, which allows for complete removal of paraffin in a single step, including heating the sample to between 35 to 65 degrees Celsius, simplifying the process and reducing the use of hazardous materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional multi-step deparaffinization methods are used, then paraffin can be removed from the sample, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple deparaffinization steps into a single composition that performs solubilization, clearing, and rehydration simultaneously. The composition includes apolar solvents for paraffin dissolution, polar solvents for miscibility with water, and detergents for emulsification, allowing all functions to be achieved in one treatment step rather than multiple sequential steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The deparaffinizing composition is designed to perform multiple functions: dissolving paraffin, clearing the sample, and rehydrating the tissue section. This universal composition replaces the need for multiple specialized solutions (xylene, graded alcohols, water), making the process simpler while maintaining effectiveness.
2Reliability
If traditional deparaffinization methods are used, then paraffin can be removed, but hazardous solvents are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the deparaffinization system by using a mixture of apolar and polar solvents with specific miscibility characteristics. This parameter change allows the use of less hazardous solvents while maintaining the ability to dissolve and remove paraffin effectively, reducing toxic exposure for users.
Solution Approach 2:
The composition uses polar solvents as intermediaries that are miscible with both apolar paraffin and water. These intermediary substances facilitate the transfer and removal of paraffin without requiring highly hazardous solvents, making the process safer while maintaining effectiveness.
3Ease of operation
If simple heating methods are used, then the process is simplified, but paraffin trapped beneath tissue cannot be removed
Solution Approach 1:
The polar solvents in the composition act as intermediaries that can penetrate the hydrophilic tissue barrier and carry dissolved paraffin beneath the tissue section. This intermediary mechanism allows simple heating to be effective while achieving complete paraffin removal, including trapped paraffin that simple heating alone cannot remove.
Solution Approach 2:
The deparaffinizing composition is a composite mixture of apolar solvents, polar solvents, and detergents. This composite formulation combines the paraffin-dissolving capability of apolar solvents with the tissue-penetrating and water-miscible properties of polar solvents, enabling complete paraffin removal through simple heating without complex procedures.
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 efficient, single-step deparaffinization and rehydration of biological samples, ensuring complete paraffin removal and reducing the need for toxic or expensive solvents, making the process simpler and easier to automate.
Implementation Method 1
The first step includes removal of the paraffin by heating the biological sample to increase solubility of the paraffin
Implementation Method 2
heating the sample to between 35 to 65 degrees Celsius
Data Source
AI summary
A deparaffinizing composition and method are provided for removing paraffin wax from biological samples. The deparaffinizing composition may include: a paraffin solvent that may be a first apolar paraffin solvent; a second apolar solvent that may be at least partially miscible with water; a first polar solvent that may be miscible with both water and apolar solvents; a second polar solvent that may be water; and a detergent. The deparaffinizing method may include the steps of: incubating the sample for a time period in a deparaffinizing composition; and rinsing the sample with an aqueous buffer. Preferably, the step of incubating the sample for a time period in the deparaffinizing composition may include heating the sample and the composition to between approximately 35 to 65 degrees Celsius.