Integrated Microscope Pipetting for Contamination-Resistant Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual pipetting of samples in microscopic experiments is tedious, time-consuming, and increases the risk of contamination, especially in high-throughput experiments requiring multiple reagents and quick succession, while also decreasing the walk-away time and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A microscope with an integrated pipetting device and moving mechanism that automates the pipetting process, allowing the device to move between operating and non-operating positions within a sterile sample chamber, and includes a frame with injectors and fluid lines for precise and efficient fluid handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual pipetting is used to add reagents to samples, then the experiment can be performed with simple equipment, but the process becomes time-consuming and reduces experiment efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automated self-service pipetting where the microscope integrates a pipetting device that automatically adds reagents to samples without requiring manual intervention. The moving mechanism transports the pipetting device between storage and operating positions, allowing the system to perform pipetting tasks autonomously during image acquisition, thereby eliminating the need for continuous human monitoring and maximizing walk-away time.
2Reliability
If manual pipetting is performed frequently to add multiple reagents, then flexible reagent addition is possible, but the risk of sample contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The moving mechanism acts as an intermediary that transports the pipetting device between the storage position (outside sample chamber) and operating position (inside sample chamber). This intermediary transport system minimizes the time the pipetting device is exposed to the external environment, reducing contamination risk while enabling automated reagent addition. The sealed sample chamber further isolates samples from contamination during the automated process.
3Speed
If the pipetting device remains inside the sample chamber during operation, then quick access to samples is possible, but the risk of contamination and interference with imaging increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pipetting device dynamically changes position between storage and operating positions based on operational needs. The moving mechanism enables rapid transitions between these positions, allowing the device to be inside the sample chamber only when actively pipetting, and outside during imaging. This dynamic positioning minimizes interference with imaging while maintaining quick access capability.
4Productivity
If automated pipetting is implemented with a moving mechanism, then experiment efficiency and walk-away time increase, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The moving mechanism serves multiple functions: it transports the pipetting device between storage and operating positions, positions the device accurately over sample carriers, and enables both automated pipetting and imaging operations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity while achieving high automation and productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A microscope includes: a sample chamber; a microscope stage arranged below the sample chamber for having a sample carrier arranged thereon; a pipetting device for pipetting the sample carrier; and a moving mechanism for moving the pipetting device between a non-operating position in which the pipetting device is arranged outside the sample chamber sample carrier and an operating position in which the pipetting device is arranged inside the sample chamber facing the sample carrier.