Fluid dispensing robot with segmented probes for automated tissue staining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated tissue sample staining apparatuses face inefficiencies due to the need for reagent purging between dispensing steps, leading to delays and reagent wastage, in the manual treatment of tissue samples on slides for immunologic applications like immunohistochemical staining and in-situ hybridization.
Innovation Solution
A fluid transport system with a fluid dispensing robot equipped with multiple probes and channels, controlled to select and dispense various reagents, including high-value and bulk fluids, directly to slide treatment modules, allowing for simultaneous and efficient treatment of tissue samples without the need for manual intervention or reagent purging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If reagent purging is performed between dispensing steps in existing automated staining apparatuses, then reagent contamination is prevented, but processing time increases and reagent is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the reagent dispensing function into multiple independent probes, each dedicated to a specific reagent. This segmentation eliminates the need for purging between different reagents since each probe maintains its own dedicated fluid path, thus preventing contamination while avoiding time loss from purging operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-positioning multiple reagent-filled probes before the staining process begins. Each probe is pre-loaded with its designated reagent and positioned ready for immediate dispensing, eliminating the need for intermediate purging steps between reagent changes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual treatment steps are performed for tissue samples, then flexibility in protocol adjustment is maintained, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a multi-functional automated platform that can perform multiple staining protocols and treatment steps through programmable control. The apparatus can be configured to execute different staining sequences, temperature conditions, and reagent combinations, providing both automation for high productivity and adaptability for various protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates dynamic elements including variable temperature control capabilities and programmable timing sequences that can be adjusted for different staining protocols. The automated robot can dynamically adjust processing parameters while maintaining continuous operation, thus preserving protocol flexibility without sacrificing productivity.
3Device complexity
If multiple reagents are dispensed sequentially through a single probe, then device complexity is reduced, but reagent wastage increases due to purging requirements
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single probe that must be purged between reagents, the system segments the dispensing function across multiple dedicated probes. Each probe is assigned to a specific reagent, eliminating cross-contamination risks and the need for purging, thus preventing reagent wastage while maintaining manageable system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates multiple copies of the probe structure, each dedicated to a specific reagent. This replication allows simultaneous or sequential dispensing of multiple reagents without cross-contamination, eliminating the need for purging operations and the associated reagent waste.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a fluid transport system for an automated slide treatment apparatus for treating one or more tissue samples disposed on slides, whereby the slide treatment apparatus includes a plurality of slide treatment modules arranged to receive ones of the slides, and the fluid transport system includes a fluid dispensing robot configured by a controller to dispense a plurality of reagents to said ones of the slides received in the slide treatment modules to treat said one or more tissue samples respectively.