Integrated Imaging Device for Spatial Omics Staining and Washing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging systems for spatial omics require multiple manual handling steps, including staining, washing, and imaging, which are time-consuming and reduce experimental throughput, with no integrated solution that efficiently handles all steps of a staining, imaging, and washing cycle.
Innovation Solution
An integrated imaging device with an imaging position, annealing position, and temperature control unit that allows for precise temperature control and automated reagent handling, enabling in situ staining, washing, and imaging, reducing the need for manual handling and increasing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual handling of samples is performed on a work bench or with automated stainer, then staining and washing steps can be completed, but time consumption increases and throughput decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate operations (staining, washing, and imaging) into a single integrated device. The sample carrier is designed to be compatible with both the stainer and microscope, allowing reagents to be added, samples to be washed, and images to be captured without removing the carrier from the device. This merging of functions eliminates the need for manual transfer between separate equipment, thereby reducing time consumption and increasing throughput.
2Ease of operation
If integrated solutions combining microscope and stainer are used, then time needed to handle samples is reduced, but no solution exists that integrates all steps of staining, imaging, and washing cycle
Solution Approach 1:
The sample carrier serves multiple functions: it holds the sample during staining, enables washing through fluid access, and facilitates imaging by being compatible with the microscope. The integrated device incorporates multiple functional modules (reagent addition system, washing system, imaging system) that can operate on the same sample carrier, creating a universal platform that handles the complete staining-imaging-washing cycle without requiring separate equipment for each step.
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 facilitates fast and efficient handling of samples by integrating all steps of the staining, imaging, and washing cycle, improving throughput and reducing manual handling, while allowing precise temperature control for enhanced staining and washing processes.
Implementation Method 1
an annealing position configured to receive the sample carrier, and a temperature control unit configured to control a temperature of the sample receiving compartment when the sample carrier is received in the annealing position
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging device for imaging samples received in a sample carrier includes an imaging position configured to receive the sample carrier. The sample carrier includes at least one sample receiving compartment configured to receive a sample. The imaging device further includes an optical detection system configured to image the sample when the sample carrier is received in the imaging position, an annealing position configured to receive the sample carrier, and a temperature control unit configured to control a temperature of the sample receiving compartment when the sample carrier is received in the annealing position.