Exposure Cap for Multiwell Plate Perfusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing apparatuses for dynamic exposure in vitro experiments with gaseous exposure media are not compatible with standard laboratory equipment, leading to reproducibility issues and mixing of fluid phases, which results in undesirable by-products and an undefined biological test system environment.
Innovation Solution
An exposure apparatus with a cap that fits onto a standard multiwell plate, featuring feed and discharge lines for each well to create a closed exposure atmosphere, preventing mixing of maintenance and exposure media, and allowing perfusion of exposure medium, ensuring reproducibility and compatibility with standard laboratory equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing apparatuses for dynamic exposure with gaseous exposure media are used, then exposure effectiveness is improved, but compatibility with standard laboratory equipment deteriorates and fluid phase mixing occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The exposure cap is designed to fit onto standard multiwell plates, allowing the apparatus to work with conventional laboratory equipment while providing advanced perfusion exposure capabilities. The line elements can be assigned to specific wells in a standardized plate format, enabling universal application across different experimental setups.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus divides the exposure system into separate line elements, each with its own feed and discharge lines that can be individually assigned to specific wells. This segmentation prevents fluid phase mixing between adjacent wells while maintaining effective exposure in each well independently.
2Reliability
If existing apparatuses for dynamic exposure are used, then exposure effectiveness is improved, but mixing of fluid phases occurs leading to undesirable by-products
Solution Approach 1:
The exposure cap creates separate enclosed spaces above each well with dedicated feed and discharge lines, physically preventing mixing between maintenance medium and gaseous exposure medium. Each well receives its own controlled exposure atmosphere without contamination from adjacent wells or media mixing.
Solution Approach 2:
The exposure cap acts as an intermediary barrier between the maintenance medium in the multiwell plate and the gaseous exposure medium being delivered. This intermediate structure allows controlled delivery of exposure medium through line elements without direct mixing with the liquid maintenance medium.
3Reliability
If existing apparatuses for dynamic exposure are used, then exposure effectiveness is improved, but the biological test system environment becomes undefined
Solution Approach 1:
By providing dedicated feed and discharge lines for each well, the apparatus precisely controls the exposure environment in each well independently. This segmentation allows for well-defined exposure conditions with known concentrations and flow rates, eliminating the undefined environment problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The discharge lines provide a controlled pathway for removing used exposure medium, enabling monitoring and control of the exposure atmosphere composition. This feedback mechanism ensures the biological test system environment remains well-defined and controllable throughout the experiment.
Data Source
AI summary
An exposure apparatus for carrying out in vitro experiments with biological test systems, which are perfused with an exposure medium, forming an exposure atmosphere, includes an exposure cap, which is dimensioned in such a manner that it can be set onto a standard multiwell plate and connected with the standard multiwell plate using suitable connecting elements.