Hydrophobic Flow Path Tissue Sample Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for treating tissue samples with reagents in liquid form are labor-intensive and time-consuming, requiring numerous pipetting steps, which hinders efficient processing and analysis.
Innovation Solution
A device with a flow path defined by a hydrophobic surface pattern, including a sample area, liquid deposition, and removal areas, and actuatable valves controlled by external stimuli, allowing for passive liquid flow and precise control of reagent application and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual pipetting methods are used to treat tissue samples with reagents, then precise control over reagent application is achieved, but the process becomes labor-intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables passive liquid flow through the flow path without requiring active pumping or manual pipetting. The hydrophobic surface pattern and capillary forces allow the liquid to automatically move from the deposition area through the sample area to the removal area, eliminating the need for manual operation while maintaining precise control over reagent application and removal
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical pipetting system with a passive fluid transport system based on surface energy differences. Instead of using mechanical pumps or manual pipettes to control liquid flow, the device uses hydrophobic surface patterns to guide and control the flow of liquids through the flow path, significantly reducing manual labor while maintaining processing precision
2Loss of time
If multiple pipetting steps are used to apply and remove liquids, then precise reagent application is achieved, but the processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables continuous liquid flow through the flow path without interruption or discrete steps. The passive flow mechanism allows the liquid to continuously move from deposition through sample treatment to removal in a single uninterrupted process, eliminating the time losses associated with multiple discrete pipetting steps while maintaining precise reagent application throughout the continuous flow
3Device complexity
If passive liquid flow is used instead of active pumping, then device complexity is reduced, but control over liquid flow precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses localized hydrophobic surface patterns at specific positions along the flow path to control liquid flow. By creating regions with different surface energy properties (hydrophobic barriers versus hydrophilic flow channels), the device achieves precise control over liquid movement without requiring complex active pumping mechanisms. The hydrophobic regions act as local control points that direct and regulate the passive flow of liquid through the flow path
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 device enables efficient and automated application and removal of liquids from tissue samples, reducing manual labor and increasing processing efficiency while ensuring precise control over reagent interaction with the samples.
Implementation Method 1
The flow path is at least partially defined by a surface pattern that is more hydrophobic than the flow path
Implementation Method 2
The flow in step (d) is passive, e.g., by gravity, capillary action, surface tension, Laplace pressure, osmotic pressure, or a combination thereof
Implementation Method 3
the at least one valve includes a material (e.g., a wax) that changes phase (e.g., melts) in response to the external stimulus
Implementation Method 4
The external stimulus includes electric (e.g., electro-magnetic, electro-static, etc.), thermal, optical, mechanical, osmotic, or acoustic energy
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are devices and methods for contacting a tissue sample with liquids to perform a variety of processes and analyses. In various embodiments, the device includes a hydrophilic flow path defined at least in part by a surface pattern (e.g., bounded by hydrophobic regions). The flow path includes a sample area sized to receive a biological sample. The flow path includes at least one valve configured to control flow in the flow path in response to an external stimulus.