Embedded Electrode Array Plate for Automated Cell Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cell sample testing procedures are inefficient due to manual insertion of electrodes, which leads to variability in results, difficulty in repeating tests, and challenges in detecting long-term effects of pharmacological agents.
Innovation Solution
An embedded electrode array (EEA) apparatus that includes a printed circuit board with tissue culture wells, electrode pads, signal connectors, and circuit runs, allowing for automated testing of cell samples with reduced human error.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual insertion of electrodes is used, then ease of operation is maintained, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate due to variability in results
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the testing function into separate modules: an embedded electrode array plate with pre-positioned electrodes, a separate culture well plate, and an automated imaging system. This segmentation eliminates the need for manual electrode insertion while maintaining operational simplicity through standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
Electrodes are pre-positioned and embedded in the array plate before the testing begins. The culture cells are grown to confluence in advance, and the entire setup is prepared beforehand to eliminate variability during the actual measurement process.
2Productivity
If automated testing is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The embedded electrode array plate serves multiple functions: it acts as both the culture substrate and the electrode array, eliminating the need for separate components. The system can perform multiple measurements simultaneously across different wells, increasing productivity without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses automated image processing to locate and identify electrodes and culture cells without human intervention. The embedded electrodes self-align with the culture wells through standardized positioning, eliminating the need for complex alignment mechanisms.
3Reliability
If repeated testing is performed, then reliability is improved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The embedded electrode array allows continuous automated testing without interruption. Multiple measurements can be performed sequentially or in parallel across different wells, maintaining continuous data collection and eliminating downtime between tests.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates digital copies of the electrode positions and culture cell locations through automated imaging. These digital models are used for repeated measurements and analysis without requiring physical repositioning, saving time while maintaining reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus providing an embedded electrode array (EEA) capable of testing cell samples includes an embedded electrode array, an interface printed circuit board, a test controller for configuring the stimulating signals, and data channels in the interface printed circuit board for receiving and sampling responsive signals into data channels, and a data collector for receiving data sets for processing and storage. The embedded electrode array includes tissue culture wells each having electrode pads for containing a tissue cell sample signal connectors having a connector pins for receiving a stimulating signal for each of tissue culture wells and for generating a plurality of responsive signals from each of the tissue cell samples, and circuit runs embedded within an EEA-printed circuit board, for connecting the one of the connector pins to of the electrode pads. The interface printed circuit board includes signal connectors for receiving a signal from a source for use as the stimulating signals, and amplifier-digitizer circuits.