Flow Cytometry Reagent Feeding for Rapid Multi-Dye Cell Staining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow cytometers require time-consuming processes for preparing measurement samples using multiple fluorescent dyes, limiting the throughput of measurements.
Innovation Solution
A measurement apparatus and analysis method that utilizes a dedicated liquid feeding tube to supply first and second fluorescent dyes directly to a chamber, eliminating the need for reagent suction and discharge processes, and enables rapid staining of cells with multiple fluorescent dyes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a flow cytometer uses a dispensing probe with moving mechanisms to suck and discharge reagent, then the measurement can be performed with multiple fluorescent dyes, but the sample preparation time increases and throughput decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The reagent supply system is segmented into multiple independent liquid feeding tubes (first liquid feeding tube and second liquid feeding tube), each dedicated to supplying specific fluorescent dyes. This segmentation eliminates the need for a single complex dispensing probe to handle multiple reagents, enabling parallel reagent delivery and significantly reducing sample preparation time while maintaining the capability to use multiple fluorescent dyes
Solution Approach 2:
A reagent container holding portion is introduced as an intermediary component between the reagent containers and the chamber. This intermediary structure enables direct connection of multiple liquid feeding tubes to multiple reagent containers, facilitating simultaneous reagent supply without requiring complex moving mechanisms or dispensing probes
2Ease of operation
If a flow cytometer uses a dispensing probe to suck and discharge reagent, then the reagent can be delivered to the reaction container, but the preparation process takes time (25 specimens per hour throughput)
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple liquid feeding tubes are pre-connected to multiple reagent containers in the reagent container holding portion before sample measurement begins. This preliminary arrangement of reagents and delivery paths eliminates the need for time-consuming reagent suction and discharge operations during actual sample preparation, enabling rapid sequential or parallel delivery of multiple fluorescent dyes
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses liquid feeding tubes to deliver reagents through fluid flow mechanisms, replacing the mechanical suction and discharge process. This hydraulic approach enables continuous and rapid reagent delivery directly from containers to the chamber, significantly reducing the time required for sample preparation compared to mechanical dispensing methods
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
The method allows for high-capacity measurement using multiple fluorescent dyes, reducing preparation time per specimen to less than 1 minute and enhancing processing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
acquiring first and second signals each corresponding to fluorescence of a first wavelength and fluorescence of a second wavelength emitted from the cell stained with the first and second fluorescent dyes in response to irradiation of the measurement sample flowing in a flow cell with light
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a measurement apparatus for analyzing a cell contained in a specimen, comprising: a chamber for preparing a measurement sample in which the cell is stained with first and second fluorescent dyes contained in a reagent supplied from at least one reagent container; a liquid feeding section for feeding the reagent from the reagent container to the chamber via a liquid feeding tube provided between the reagent container and the chamber; and a detection section that acquires first and second signals each corresponding to fluorescence of a first wavelength and fluorescence of a second wavelength emitted from the cell stained with the first and second fluorescent dyes in response to irradiation of the measurement sample flowing in a flow cell with light; and an analysis section that analyzes the cell on the basis of the first and second signals.