Flow Cell Adaptor Heater for Automated Cyclic Histology
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current histology techniques are limited in their ability to image multiple target molecules simultaneously, requiring repetitive cycles of marker application and quenching, which is inefficient and labor-intensive, especially when analyzing large three-dimensional tissue samples.
Innovation Solution
A flow cell adaptor with a heater to pre-heat reagents before they enter the flow cell, allowing for automated histology imaging of multiple samples by simplifying the process and improving efficiency, and a system comprising a flow cell and adaptor that supports multiple fluid channels for efficient reagent delivery and waste removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual marker application and quenching cycles are used for histology imaging, then imaging of multiple target molecules can be achieved, but the process becomes labor-intensive and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automated cyclic histology imaging where the flow cell adaptor and fluid delivery system perform marker application, quenching, and washing cycles automatically without manual intervention. The heater maintains optimal temperature throughout the automated process, allowing high-throughput imaging of multiple target molecules across numerous samples.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical operations of marker application and quenching are replaced by an automated fluid delivery system using pumps and controlled flow channels. The system uses programmed fluid dynamics rather than manual pipetting and handling to achieve cyclic imaging.
2Temperature
If reagents are delivered at room temperature, then the system is simpler, but heating reagents is necessary for optimal histology processing
Solution Approach 1:
The heating function is merged into the flow cell adaptor itself rather than being a separate external system. The heater is integrated directly into the adaptor structure that holds the flow cell, allowing temperature control to be incorporated without adding separate heating apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow cell adaptor serves multiple functions: it holds the flow cell, delivers fluids through channels, provides heating via the integrated heater, and maintains temperature during automated cyclic imaging. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized equipment.
3Productivity
If multiple samples are analyzed simultaneously, then productivity increases, but the risk of cross-contamination and errors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses separate flow cells for different samples, with each flow cell having its own enclosed volume and fluid pathways. The flow cell adaptor provides individual cavities for multiple flow cells, ensuring physical separation and preventing cross-contamination while enabling parallel processing of multiple samples.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow cell acts as an intermediary barrier between samples and the fluid delivery system. Each flow cell's sealed enclosed volume isolates samples from direct contact with external reagent reservoirs and from each other, while still allowing controlled fluid exchange through defined input and output channels.
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 efficient and automated imaging of hundreds of molecules across multiple samples, reducing the need for repetitive cycles and improving the analysis of large tissue samples by ensuring consistent and efficient reagent delivery and waste management.
Implementation Method 1
the flow cell adaptor comprises a heater configured to heat the one or more reagents in the fluid input channel
Data Source
AI summary
A flow cell adaptor for use in cyclic histology, the flow cell adaptor having a body defining a cavity configured to removably receive a flow cell, wherein the adaptor has a fluid input channel configured to direct one or more reagents to a flow cell, and a fluid output channel configured to receive one or more reagents from a flow cell, wherein the flow cell adaptor comprises a heater configured to heat the one or more reagents in the fluid input channel.