Laser Microdissection Specimen Collector with Capillary Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laser microdissection methods face limitations in automated processing of specimens post-isolation, with high risks of contamination and specimen loss due to manual centrifugation and pipetting steps, and inadequate visual inspection of dissectates before analysis.
Innovation Solution
A laser microdissectate specimen collector with a collecting chamber and capillary line system that allows for automated transport and inspection of dissectates, featuring valves and a filter system to prevent contamination and loss, enabling direct processing and analysis without manual handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual centrifugation and pipetting steps are used to process dissectates, then specimens can be separated and prepared for analysis, but the risk of contamination and specimen loss increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service automation where the dissectate automatically flows from the collecting chamber through the capillary line into the reaction vessel without requiring manual centrifugation or pipetting. The gravity-driven flow and integrated valve system allow the specimen processing to serve itself, eliminating the need for operator intervention and thereby reducing contamination risk and specimen loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations (centrifugation and pipetting) with an automated mechanical system consisting of a capillary line and valve mechanism. This substitution eliminates the need for manual handling while maintaining reliable specimen transport, directly addressing the contradiction between specimen integrity and operational ease.
2Adaptability or versatility
If collectors are removed physically from the dissection machine for further processing, then specimens can be analyzed using capillary-based techniques, but automated processing possibilities are severely limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the laser microdissection device with the specimen collection and transport system by integrating a capillary line directly into the collecting chamber. This combination allows the system to maintain adaptability for capillary-based analysis techniques while enabling automated processing, as the integrated design permits continuous operation without physical removal of collectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The collecting chamber is designed with multi-functionality to serve both as a collection vessel for laser microdissection and as an integrated transport system for capillary-based analysis. The chamber can accommodate different dissectate types and connect to various analytical devices, providing versatility while maintaining automation capability through its standardized capillary interface.
3Measurement precision
If visual inspection of dissectates is performed after cutting, then specimen quality can be verified, but inspection is not possible or inadequate because the dissectate is still surrounded by the remaining specimen body
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by enabling visual inspection of the dissectate immediately after it is cut from the specimen body, while it is still in the collecting chamber. This preliminary inspection occurs before the dissectate is mixed with carrier liquid or processed further, allowing quality verification at the optimal moment when the specimen is most accessible and visible, thus improving inspection accuracy without time loss.
4Ease of manufacture
If complex centrifugation and pipetting steps are performed to prepare dissectates, then specimens can be fed to analytical methods, but the procedure has high risk of contamination and specimen loss
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service specimen preparation by automatically transporting the dissectate through the capillary line directly into the reaction vessel. The gravity-driven flow and integrated valve system eliminate the need for manual centrifugation and pipetting steps, thereby maintaining preparation feasibility while significantly reducing contamination risk and specimen loss associated with complex manual procedures.
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
Facilitates automated specimen processing, reduces contamination and loss, and allows for visual inspection of dissectates before analysis, improving convenience and efficiency in specimen handling and analysis.
Implementation Method 1
A capillary line is connected downstream of the first valve to the collecting chamber such that the capillary line is configured to transport the dissectate out of the collecting chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A laser microdissectate specimen collector for a laser microdissection device includes a collecting chamber configured to receive a dissectate. The collecting chamber has, on a specimen side, an opening open to the environment for receiving the dissectate. The collecting chamber also has a first valve. The first valve, in a closed state thereof, forms a closure of the collecting chamber opposite to the opening for retaining the dissectate. A capillary line is connected downstream of the first valve to the collecting chamber such that the capillary line is configured to transport the dissectate out of the collecting chamber.