Dissolvable Matrix for Dry Biological Sample Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for storing biological samples, such as nucleic acids and proteins, face challenges including costly refrigeration requirements, sample degradation, contamination issues, and inefficient storage and retrieval processes, particularly in high-throughput environments, where existing systems fail to integrate storage with data management effectively.
Innovation Solution
A biological sample storage system featuring a sample plate with radio frequency transponders and a dissolvable matrix that allows for dry storage at ambient temperature, maintaining biological activity and enabling efficient data tracking and retrieval through a computer-implemented system with radio frequency communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If samples are stored in liquid form at low temperatures, then sample stability is improved, but storage cost and equipment complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of samples from liquid to dry form, and changes the storage temperature parameter from subzero to ambient temperature. This eliminates the need for refrigeration equipment and energy consumption while maintaining sample stability through the dry matrix environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable dry storage plates with integrated matrix material that can be discarded after use. This eliminates the need for expensive, maintainable refrigeration equipment and reduces long-term storage costs by using simple, disposable storage units that require no energy input.
2Use of energy by stationary object
If samples are stored on cellulose fibers, then storage cost is reduced, but sample recovery yield decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sample from the storage matrix through dissolution of the matrix material in solvent. This allows complete recovery of the biological sample without the loss associated with cellulose fiber binding, as the sample is released into solution for quantitative recovery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a soluble matrix material as an intermediary between storage and recovery. The matrix dissolves in solvent to release the embedded sample, acting as a temporary carrier that facilitates storage but disappears during recovery, preventing sample loss.
3Device complexity
If samples are stored dry at ambient temperature, then equipment complexity is reduced, but sample degradation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials consisting of biological samples embedded in a protective soluble matrix (such as gelatin, albumin, or polysaccharides). This composite structure protects the sample from degradation during dry storage while remaining compatible with subsequent biochemical applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the storage conditions from liquid/subzero to dry/ambient temperature, and compensates for potential degradation by embedding samples in protective matrix materials that stabilize them in the dry state without requiring complex equipment.
4Loss of substance
If multiple handling steps are used for sample recovery, then sample purity is improved, but processing time and labor increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by embedding the sample in a soluble matrix during storage. During recovery, the matrix simply dissolves in solvent to release the sample, eliminating the need for multiple handling steps such as centrifugation, filtration, or transfer operations that would increase processing time and potential for contamination.
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 solution provides stable, long-term storage of biological samples without refrigeration, reduces degradation, and integrates sample data management, enhancing efficiency and reducing costs by allowing for immediate rehydration and reuse of samples while maintaining biological activity.
Implementation Method 1
wherein the matrix material dissolves or dissociates in a solvent that allows complete recovery or substantial recovery of the biological sample after hydration
Implementation Method 2
A biological sample storage system featuring a sample plate with radio frequency transponders and a dissolvable matrix that allows for dry storage at ambient temperature, maintaining biological activity and enabling efficient data tracking and retrieval through a computer-implemented system with radio frequency communication
Data Source
AI summary
Compositions and methods are disclosed for automated storing, tracking, retrieving and analyzing biological samples, including dry storage at ambient temperatures of nucleic acids, proteins (including enzymes), and cells using a dry storage matrix that permits recovery of biologically active materials. RFID-tagged biological sample storage devices featuring dissolvable or dissociable matrices are described for use as supports of biological samples, which matrices can be dried and subsequently rehydrated for sample recovery. Also disclosed are computer-implemented systems and methods for managing sample data.