Ink Jet Liquid Ejection Head for Biological Sample Contour Framing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for preparing biological samples for assays are inefficient in reducing the amount of detection solution used, due to difficulties in forming precise frames around the samples, leading to wastage of expensive antibodies and probes.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that determine the contour of a biological sample on a substrate and form a holding portion using an ink jet liquid ejection head to precisely contain the reaction solution, reducing unnecessary application and enhancing staining efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If a water-repellent frame is formed by hand using a PAP pen, then the detection solution can be contained, but the frame precision is poor and the amount of detection solution cannot be further reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical process of forming a water-repellent frame with a PAP pen is replaced by an automated ink jet printing system. The ink jet apparatus precisely deposits material to form a frame structure, eliminating human hand variability and achieving high precision frame formation that manually cannot achieve.
Solution Approach 2:
The method changes the physical state and delivery mechanism of the frame-forming material. Instead of using a liquid PAP pen solution, the system uses an ink jet system that can precisely control the deposition parameters, including material ejection amount, position, and pattern, thereby achieving precise frame formation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If through-holes of fixed shapes and sizes are used in a tissue staining sheet, then compartments can be formed, but the shapes and sizes cannot be changed to fit different biological samples
Solution Approach 1:
The frame structure transitions from a static, fixed configuration in pre-made sheets to a dynamic, customizable configuration. The ink jet system can adapt the frame's shape, size, and position in real-time based on the specific biological sample being processed, allowing optimal fit for each sample type.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame structure is customized to match the local requirements of different biological samples. Instead of using uniform through-holes, the ink jet system creates frames with varying shapes and dimensions that locally adapt to the contour and characteristics of each specific sample.
3Loss of substance
If detection solution is applied without precise containment, then the sample can be stained, but the detection solution moves to areas without staining targets causing waste
Solution Approach 1:
The application area is segmented into precise compartments by the formed frame structure. This segmentation confines the detection solution strictly within the boundaries of the biological sample, preventing lateral movement to adjacent areas and ensuring the solution remains only where needed for staining.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame structure acts as an intermediary barrier between the detection solution and the substrate. This intermediate structure physically contains the detection solution, preventing it from spreading beyond the sample boundaries while still allowing the solution to effectively contact and stain the target substances within the sample.
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
This approach allows for a significant reduction in the amount of reaction solution used while maintaining effective identification of target substances, thereby optimizing resource utilization and assay precision.
Implementation Method 1
forming a holding portion along the contour using an ink jet liquid ejection head for holding at least part of a reaction solution
Data Source
AI summary
A method of preparing a biological sample for an assay includes determining a contour of the biological sample on a substrate, using an ink jet liquid ejection head to form a holding portion for holding at least part of the reaction solution inside the contour on the substrate along the contour, and applying the reaction solution to the biological sample to obtain the biological sample for the assay.