Local De-paraffinization Probe for FFPE Tissue Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
The labor-intensive process of removing paraffin from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue sections is time-consuming and can affect the quality of the tissue for histopathology and other analytical techniques.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a first conduit to deliver a solvent to a selected location on the tissue, a heater to melt the embedding medium, and a second conduit to collect and transport the solvent and liquified embedding medium away from the selected location, allowing for localized removal of the embedding medium without disturbing the rest of the tissue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional solvent extraction methods are used to remove paraffin, then paraffin removal is achieved, but the process is time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the deparaffinization process by applying solvent locally at specific locations on the tissue section rather than treating the entire section. The probe delivers solvent through a controlled opening, allowing targeted removal of paraffin from specific areas while leaving other areas intact, thereby reducing overall processing time and labor requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies local quality by delivering solvent only to selected locations on the tissue section where paraffin removal is needed. The probe can be positioned at specific coordinates, and the solvent is delivered through a controlled opening, creating a localized deparaffinization zone that preserves the rest of the tissue structure and reduces processing time
2Productivity
If aggressive solvent extraction is used, then paraffin removal is effective, but tissue quality is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The device applies local quality by delivering solvent only to selected locations on the tissue section where paraffin removal is needed. The probe can be positioned at specific coordinates, and the solvent is delivered through a controlled opening, creating a localized deparaffinization zone that preserves the rest of the tissue structure and reduces processing time
Solution Approach 2:
The probe acts as an intermediary device between the solvent and the tissue. It controls the delivery of solvent through a controlled opening, allowing precise regulation of solvent application. This intermediary mechanism enables effective paraffin removal while preventing excessive solvent exposure that would harm tissue quality
3Ease of operation
If complete deparaffinization is performed, then tissue is ready for analysis, but the rest of the tissue is unnecessarily disturbed
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the deparaffinization process by applying solvent locally at specific locations on the tissue section rather than treating the entire section. The probe delivers solvent through a controlled opening, allowing targeted removal of paraffin from specific areas while leaving other areas intact, thereby reducing overall processing time and labor requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies partial action by removing paraffin only from the specific location where it is needed for analysis, rather than completely deparaffinizing the entire tissue section. This partial deparaffinization approach prepares the tissue for analysis while avoiding unnecessary disturbance to other areas, simplifying the overall processing complexity
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 method enables rapid and efficient preparation of FFPE tissue sections for analysis by allowing for localized deparaffinization, preserving the integrity of the tissue and enhancing the speed and efficiency of analysis.
Implementation Method 1
a heater proximal to the distal opening of the first conduit, the heater adapted to heat the at least one solvent to a temperature sufficient to melt an embedding medium at the selected location on the tissue section
Implementation Method 2
heat the at least one solvent to a temperature sufficient to melt an embedding medium at the selected location on the tissue section... collect and transport the at least one solvent and liquified embedding medium and/or extracted metabolite(s), analyte(s), etc.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for preparing a tissue for analysis includes a first conduit adapted to transport at least one solvent, the first conduit having a distal opening that delivers the at least one solvent to a selected location on the tissue, a second conduit adapted to collect a sample comprising the at least one solvent and an analyte/metabolite from the tissue and transport the sample to at least one of a waste disposal, a storage container, and a sample analyzer. The device may be configured to directly sample an embedded tissue, and may include a heater that heats the at least one solvent to a temperature that melts the embedding medium, wherein the collected sample comprises the at least one solvent, liquified embedding medium, and an analyte/metabolite. The device allows direct analysis of the tissue at the selected location, without removing the embedding medium from the entire tissue section.