Frozen Biological Particle Shaping via Carrier Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for producing frozen biological particles for deposition in biological materials are inefficient and lack reproducibility, as they fail to consistently control the geometric properties and size of the particles, leading to variations in embedding conditions and mechanical stability.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that utilize a carrier device with receiving elements to shape and freeze cell suspensions, allowing for the production of frozen biological particles with predetermined geometric properties by cooling the suspensions below -30°C, enabling reproducible and homogeneous deposition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional methods (freezing free droplets in cold atmosphere or substrate wells) are used to produce frozen biological particles, then the particles can be formed, but the geometric properties (shape and size) cannot be controlled reproducibly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mold as an intermediary tool that directly shapes the cell suspension before freezing. The mold's cavity defines the precise geometry of the particle, and this geometric information is transferred to the frozen particle when it is released from the mold. This intermediary approach eliminates the uncontrollable variables of droplet formation in cold atmospheres or substrate well constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the cell suspension from liquid (where it flows and takes the shape of the mold cavity) to frozen solid (where it maintains the molded geometry). By controlling the freezing process after molding, the particle's geometric parameters (shape, size, surface area) are fixed reproducibly. The mold cavity dimensions directly determine the final particle dimensions.
2Productivity
If a transfer tool is used to embed frozen biological samples in tissue, then the samples can be deposited, but the process is extremely time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the deposition process into two independent stages: (1) parallel production of multiple frozen particles with predetermined geometry using the mold, and (2) simultaneous embedding of multiple particles into tissue. This segmentation allows for high-throughput production and deposition, eliminating the time-consuming sequential process of traditional transfer tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary shaping of the cell suspension into the desired geometric form using the mold before freezing and before deposition into tissue. This preliminary action ensures that the particles are already optimally shaped for embedding, eliminating the need for time-consuming post-freezing shaping or manual transfer operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If frozen particles are produced by freezing free droplets, then the particles can be formed, but the droplet size and shape are not adjustable in a reproducible manner
Solution Approach 1:
The mold serves as a geometric intermediary that imposes predetermined dimensions on the cell suspension. The cavity size and shape of the mold directly control the resulting particle dimensions, enabling precise adjustment of particle size and shape. This intermediary approach replaces the uncontrolled droplet formation process with a controlled molding process.
4Stability of the object's composition
If biological samples are embedded in the frozen state, then the embedding can be done, but the geometric properties and mechanical stability vary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the cell suspension to frozen solid through controlled freezing below -30°C. This phase change locks in the geometric properties defined by the mold cavity, ensuring consistent particle shape and size. The frozen state provides mechanical stability while maintaining the predetermined geometry, resolving the contradiction between stability and geometric consistency.
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 the precise control of particle shape and size, enhancing reproducibility and mechanical stability during deposition, facilitating uniform embedding and interaction with biological materials.
Implementation Method 1
converted into a frozen state... cooling device with which the receiving elements can be cooled... set a temperature of the frozen partial portions below -30°C
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4B
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for producing a plurality of frozen biological particles (1) which are suitable for deposition in biological material. Said method comprises the following steps: making available a liquid suspension having a cellular component (3, 3.1 – 3.10) which comprises at least one of the following: at least one biological cell, at least one cell group and at least one cell component, receiving subportions (2) of the suspension in receiving elements (12) of a carrier device (11), cooling the carrier device (10) and freezing the subportions of the suspension, thereby forming the frozen biological particles (1) having an interior shape and interior size of the receiving elements, and separating the frozen biological particles (1) from the receiving elements (12). The invention also relates to a freezing device (100) which is designed to produce a plurality of frozen biological particles.