Flow-Through Container for Biomolecule Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for stabilizing and fixing biomolecules, particularly DNA, RNA, and proteins, face challenges such as the lack of standardization in fixative volume ratios and the potential for biomolecules to be irreversibly cross-linked with formaldehyde-based solutions, leading to damage and difficulty in analytical studies.
Innovation Solution
A flow-through container with a sharp-edged opening and sieve-like design limits tissue dimensions, ensuring quick penetration of stabilizing agents, and a set with precisely defined dimensions and volumes of fixation/stabilization reagents is used to standardize the fixation process, avoiding under-fixation and enhancing comparability between samples.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a large sample is used for fixation, then the sample represents more tissue, but the stabilizing solution cannot penetrate quickly enough to fix all areas uniformly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the sample into smaller portions by using a flow-through container with a sieve-like structure that allows the stabilizing solution to penetrate from multiple directions. This segmentation of the fixation process enables uniform stabilization throughout the sample while maintaining manageable sample sizes for effective penetration.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow-through container design allows the stabilizing solution to approach the sample from multiple dimensions (surrounding the sample rather than just from one direction), dramatically improving penetration speed and uniformity. The sieve-like walls enable multi-directional flow through the sample.
2Reliability
If formalin-based fixation solutions are used, then tissue fixation is achieved, but biomolecules may be irreversibly cross-linked and damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical parameters of the fixation solution by using stabilizing solutions with specific compositions (containing substances like formaldehyde in controlled amounts, plus additional stabilizing agents) rather than conventional formalin-based solutions. This parameter change maintains fixation reliability while minimizing harmful cross-linking effects on biomolecules.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow-through container acts as an intermediary device that controls the interaction between the fixation solution and the sample. It ensures uniform distribution and controlled penetration of the stabilizing solution, preventing localized concentration issues that could cause excessive cross-linking or damage.
3Ease of operation
If the stabilizing solution to sample ratio is not standardized, then flexibility in handling is maintained, but under-fixation occurs and comparability between samples is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The flow-through container design provides a universal solution that works for various sample types and sizes while maintaining standardized fixation conditions. The sieve-like structure and flow-through capability allow consistent stabilizing solution distribution across different samples, achieving both flexibility and standardization.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow-through container enables the fixation process to be self-regulating through its sieve-like structure, which automatically adjusts solution flow and distribution based on the sample's characteristics. This self-service mechanism ensures consistent fixation ratios without requiring manual adjustment, achieving standardization while maintaining ease of operation.
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 ensures precise stabilization and fixation of biomolecules, preventing damage and allowing for better preservation and analysis, with the flow-through container facilitating easy handling and minimizing contamination risks.
Implementation Method 1
it is particularly important that a stabilizing solution or stabilizing liquid penetrates the sample containing the biomolecules quickly enough
Implementation Method 2
Liquid can penetrate the flow-through basket from all sides
Implementation Method 3
formaldehyde-based solutions... potential for biomolecules to be irreversibly cross-linked
Implementation Method 4
Biomolecules to be stabilized are in particular DNA, RNA and proteins
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
Figure 5A~6B
AI summary
The invention relates to a method and a device for fixing and/or stabilising a sample. Biomolecules and tissues are stabilised or fixed, i.e. preserved. Biomolecules to be stabilised are especially DNA, RNA and proteins. The aim of the invention is to improve the fixing and/or stabilising of biomolecules and tissues and to be able to analyse same in a certain form in a simplified manner. To this end, a sample is placed into a permeable container having a maximum height of 10 mm, preferably 5 mm. The dimensions of the sample are suitably defined first by pressing an opening of the container into the sample. The permeable container filled with the sample is submerged in a fixing and/or stabilising means. As a result, the sample is fixed and/or stabilised. A permeable container having the above-mentioned height and a sharp-edged opening is provided for the invention.