Pipette Tip Extension With Distance Elements for Sample Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for isolating specific areas of interest in biological samples, such as tumor cells from tissue sections, suffer from low spatial precision and contamination risks in mechanical scraping, and are costly and inefficient with laser capture microdissection, making them unsuitable for clinical workflows.
Innovation Solution
A pipette tip extension and pipette tip assembly that allows for precise, automated interaction with areas of interest by using distance elements to create defined fluid uptake areas and channels, ensuring controlled fluid movement and minimizing contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If mechanical scraping is used to isolate areas of interest, then the method is simple and low-cost, but spatial precision is low and contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the sampling process by using a pipette tip extension with multiple distance elements that create separate fluid uptake areas for different regions of interest. Each distance element defines a specific sampling depth and creates isolated fluid channels, allowing precise spatial separation of samples from different tissue areas without cross-contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The pipette tip extension acts as an intermediary device between the pipette tip and the tissue sample. It introduces a controlled fluid medium that facilitates precise sample isolation through fluid uptake and transfer, replacing direct mechanical contact while maintaining spatial precision and reducing contamination risk.
2Measurement precision
If laser capture microdissection is used to isolate areas of interest, then spatial precision is improved, but cost increases and workflow efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces complex laser capture microdissection systems with a simpler fluid-based sampling approach using a pipette tip extension. The device uses controlled fluid uptake and pressure differential mechanisms to achieve precise sample isolation without requiring expensive laser equipment, thereby improving workflow efficiency while maintaining spatial precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The pipette tip extension enables self-contained sample isolation and transfer in a single operation. The fluid uptake area automatically captures samples from the tissue surface through capillary action and pressure differential, eliminating the need for separate isolation and transfer steps required by laser capture microdissection, thus improving productivity.
3Ease of operation
If mechanical scraping is used to isolate areas of interest, then the method is simple to operate, but contamination of surrounding areas occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The pipette tip extension introduces a fluid intermediary that creates a controlled sampling environment. The fluid uptake area captures samples through defined fluid channels, preventing direct contact between the sampling tool and surrounding tissue areas, thus eliminating contamination while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The device extracts samples through a defined fluid uptake area that is spatially separated from surrounding regions. The fluid channels and distance elements create isolated sampling zones that selectively capture material from the area of interest while excluding surrounding areas, preventing cross-contamination.
4Measurement precision
If a pipette tip extension with distance elements is used, then fluid uptake precision is improved and contamination is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pipette tip extension is segmented into multiple functional zones defined by distance elements. Each distance element creates a specific fluid uptake area with controlled volume and depth, enabling precise fluid sampling. The modular segmentation allows the device to achieve high precision while maintaining relatively simple construction through repeated basic geometric elements.
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
Enables precise and efficient isolation of sample areas with reduced contamination, suitable for clinical workflows, by providing a cost-effective and automated method for handling biological samples.
Implementation Method 1
The one or more distance elements are dimensioned to establish a fluid uptake area adjacent to the inner side of the exterior wall. The fluid uptake area extends from the dispense aperture up to the reception aperture. The fluid uptake area is in fluid connection with the surrounding atmosphere at the reception aperture.
Implementation Method 2
The fluid uptake area is in fluid connection with the surrounding atmosphere at the reception aperture, creating a pressure differential that drives fluid movement from the dispense aperture to the reception aperture.
Data Source
AI summary
A pipette tip extension having a proximal end, a distal end, and an exterior wall extending between the proximal end and the distal end is disclosed. The exterior wall has an outer side and an inner side and encloses an inner cavity which is delimited by the inner side of the exterior wall. The exterior wall forms at the proximal end a reception aperture. The pipette tip extension further has one or more distance elements arranged at the inner side of the exterior wall and protruding into the inner cavity.