Flow Cytometry Reagent Feeding Tubes for Faster Multi-Dye Analysis
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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 reagents directly from containers to a chamber, allowing for rapid staining of cells with multiple fluorescent dyes, and includes a detection section to acquire and analyze fluorescence signals from these dyes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a flow cytometer uses a dispensing probe with a mechanism for moving the probe to suck and discharge reagent from/to reagent containers, then it can perform measurement using multiple fluorescent dyes, but it takes time to prepare the measurement sample resulting in low measurement throughput
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the reagent supply system into multiple independent liquid feeding tubes, each dedicated to a specific reagent container. This segmentation eliminates the need for a single probe to travel between containers, allowing simultaneous or parallel reagent delivery and thus improving measurement throughput while maintaining multi-dye capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces liquid feeding tubes as intermediary components between reagent containers and the measurement chamber. These tubes serve as dedicated conduits that eliminate the need for mechanical probe movement, enabling direct reagent transfer and significantly reducing sample preparation time
2Measurement precision
If a flow cytometer uses a dispensing probe to suck reagent from reagent container and move it to reaction container, then it can deliver reagent accurately, but the process of sucking and discharging reagent takes time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions liquid feeding tubes in advance to connect reagent containers directly to the measurement chamber. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for time-consuming probe movement and reagent suction/discharge operations during measurement, while maintaining accurate reagent delivery through the pre-positioned tubes
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 high-capacity measurement using multiple fluorescent dyes with significantly reduced sample preparation time, enhancing processing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
acquiring first and second fluorescence 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.