Integrated Flow Cytometer Module for Liquid Handling Systems
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional liquid handling systems cannot measure cells in real-time, requiring samples to be transferred to separate flow cytometers for analysis, which is inefficient and increases lab complexity.
Innovation Solution
A flow cytometer module is integrated with liquid handling systems, allowing for the measurement of cell viability, apoptosis, and proliferation in near real-time by incorporating a flow cell, fluidic pathways, a laser interrogation device, and a controller that records and transmits data to the liquid handling system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional liquid handling systems are used without flow cytometry integration, then the system structure remains simple, but real-time cell measurement capability is lost and sample handling efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the flow cytometer and liquid handling system into a single integrated platform. The flow cytometer module is physically coupled to the liquid handling system, sharing common components such as the sample introduction device, fluidic pathways, and control systems. This merging eliminates the need for separate external flow cytometer operations while maintaining measurement capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated system enables the liquid handling system to perform multiple functions: liquid handling operations plus real-time flow cytometry analysis. The same system can now both prepare samples and measure cell viability, apoptosis, and proliferation without transferring to external instruments, thereby increasing operational versatility.
2Loss of time
If samples are transferred to external flow cytometers, then measurement capability is maintained, but sample handling time increases and errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the flow cytometer with the liquid handling system, samples remain within the same instrument throughout the entire process. The flow cell is directly accessible to the liquid handling system's sample introduction device, eliminating transfer steps and reducing handling time while maintaining continuous measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated system enables continuous operation where samples can be measured immediately after preparation without interruption for transfer. The flow cytometer and liquid handling system operate in a coordinated continuous manner, maintaining useful action without idle transfer time between processes.
3Extent of automation
If flow cytometry is integrated with liquid handling, then automation and in-line monitoring are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow cytometer module is designed to be physically and functionally integrated with the liquid handling system, sharing common control electronics, software systems, and mechanical components. This integration enables automated coordination of sample introduction, fluidic pathways, and measurement operations without requiring separate manual interventions.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the flow cytometer can provide real-time measurement data back to the liquid handling system's control system. This enables automated adjustment of liquid handling operations based on measurement results, enhancing automation and enabling in-line quality control monitoring.
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 integration eliminates the need for external sample handling, reduces lab space, and enhances automation, enabling in-line quality control and process monitoring by allowing direct analysis of samples from the liquid handling system, thus improving efficiency and reducing sample handling errors.
Implementation Method 1
a laser interrogation device configured to examine the one or more samples at a laser interrogation point in the second fluidic pathway
Data Source
AI summary
A flow cytometer module configured to be integrated with a liquid handling system is provided herein. The flow cytometer module includes (a) a flow cell, (b) a first fluidic pathway, (c) an inlet configured to receive a sample introduction device of the liquid handling system including one or more samples, (d) a second fluidic pathway in fluid communication with the first fluidic pathway, (e) a laser interrogation device configured to examine the one or more samples at a laser interrogation point in the second fluidic pathway, and (f) a controller in communication with the liquid handling system and configured to cause the flow cytometer module to perform functions comprising: (i) recording data from the laser interrogation device corresponding to a plurality of events as the one or more samples pass the laser interrogation point, and (ii) transmitting the data corresponding to the plurality of events to the liquid handling system.