Biological Sample Transfer Using Hydrogel-Mediated Punch Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for transferring biological specimens, such as tissue sections, often cause damage due to strong contact forces during the transfer process, making it difficult to move samples from one surface to another without damaging the tissue.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a punch device with a sharp bottom edge to cut through the biological sample, a receiving substrate, and a piston that expels the sample portion from the punch device onto the substrate, minimizing damage during transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional transfer methods are used to move tissue sections between surfaces, then the transfer process can be completed, but the tissue sections suffer damage due to strong contact forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a hydrogel layer as an intermediary substance between the tissue section and the transfer surface. This hydrogel layer acts as a protective mediator that reduces direct contact forces, allowing the tissue section to be transferred while maintaining its structural integrity and minimizing damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies a cushioning layer (hydrogel) beforehand to the transfer surface before placing the tissue section. This pre-applied cushioning protects the tissue from direct mechanical contact and potential damage during the transfer process, ensuring the tissue remains intact.
2Stability of the object's composition
If tissue sections are attached strongly to the first surface, then they remain stable during initial handling, but they become extremely difficult to transfer without damaging the tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrogel layer serves as a mediator that provides controlled adhesion. It allows the tissue section to be stably attached during initial handling while simultaneously enabling subsequent transfer by reducing the strength of contact forces with the destination surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in the physical parameters of the hydrogel layer (such as viscosity, elasticity, or adhesion properties) to control the attachment and transfer process. By adjusting these parameters, the tissue can be held stably initially and then transferred easily when needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple transfer steps are performed to move tissue samples through different processing stages, then comprehensive analysis can be conducted, but additional damage is introduced at each transfer step
Solution Approach 1:
By using a hydrogel intermediary layer during each transfer step, the patent minimizes contact forces and tissue damage at every stage of processing. This allows multiple transfers between different processing surfaces while maintaining tissue integrity throughout the entire workflow.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical contact and friction-based transfer methods with a hydrogel-mediated transfer system. This substitution reduces mechanical stresses and contact forces that would otherwise cause cumulative damage during multiple transfer operations.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein, inter alia, are devices and methods for efficient transfer and analyses of cellular material, tissue samples, such as tissue sections, using carrier substrates and devices.