Electric Field Sample Preparation for Tissue Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for preparing biological samples, such as tissue sections, are inefficient and costly due to lengthy processing times and high reagent consumption, particularly in antigen retrieval and in situ hybridization procedures, which often result in specimen loss and suboptimal staining results.
Innovation Solution
The application of an electric field to biological samples during processing, which facilitates faster drying, antigen retrieval, and in situ hybridization by reducing the need for proteolytic digestion and minimizing reagent use, using an electric field-generating device that applies a controlled voltage to accelerate the removal of trapped water and enhance antigen accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional methods (proteolytic digestion, extended reagent exposure) are used for antigen retrieval and in situ hybridization, then staining quality and antigen accessibility are improved, but processing time increases and reagent consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional chemical-based proteolytic digestion with a physical electric field application method. The electric field (e.g., from a charged needle or electrode) directly作用于 the tissue section to retrieve antigens and facilitate probe binding, eliminating the need for extended protease treatment and reducing processing time while maintaining or improving staining quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of antigen retrieval from chemical concentration/exposure time to electric field strength and duration. By controlling voltage, current, or field intensity parameters, the method achieves rapid antigen retrieval and probe binding without the time-consuming chemical digestion steps, thereby reducing processing time while preserving staining quality
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional methods are used for drying tissue sections, then complete water removal is achieved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces passive air drying or centrifugal drying with active electric field-based water removal. The electric field (e.g., from a charged needle passed over the section or from electrodes) rapidly extracts trapped water through electrostatic forces, achieving complete drying in seconds rather than minutes or hours, thus maintaining drying completeness while dramatically reducing drying time
3Manufacturing precision
If extensive proteolytic digestion is performed to enhance antigen accessibility, then antigen retrieval is improved, but specimen loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces aggressive chemical proteolytic digestion with a gentler physical electric field method. The electric field selectively作用于 antigen-antibody or probe-target interactions without the harsh chemical conditions that cause tissue degradation and specimen loss, thereby maintaining antigen accessibility while preserving specimen integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a disposable charged needle or electrode that can be applied directly to the tissue section. This single-use or easily replaceable tool delivers the electric field effect without requiring prolonged exposure or complex reagent systems, achieving effective antigen retrieval with minimal specimen loss and reduced cost
4Manufacturing precision
If high reagent volumes and extended exposure times are used for in situ hybridization, then probe binding accuracy is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces reagent-heavy chemical hybridization conditions with an electric field-assisted method. The electric field enhances probe binding kinetics and accuracy through electrostatic interactions, allowing reduced reagent volumes and shorter exposure times while maintaining or improving binding accuracy, thereby reducing reagent consumption and cost
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 approach significantly reduces processing time, minimizes specimen loss, and improves staining quality by ensuring faster drying, effective antigen retrieval, and accurate probe binding, thereby enhancing the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of sample preparation.
Implementation Method 1
applying an electrical field to the sample effective to accomplish one or more of the objectives disclosed herein
Implementation Method 2
The application of an electric field to biological samples during processing, which facilitates faster drying, antigen retrieval, and in situ hybridization
Implementation Method 3
The application of an electric field to biological samples during processing, which facilitates faster drying, antigen retrieval, and in situ hybridization by reducing the need for proteolytic digestion
Data Source
AI summary
The present methods and apparatus apply an electric field to a sample in order to prepare it for analysis. In some embodiments, an electric field is applied for drying, staining and coverslipping of tissue sections, providing improved tissue sections for analysis and storage.