Laser Microdissection Apparatus Bottom Irradiation Film Inversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional laser microdissection methods face challenges in achieving precise sample analysis due to limitations in spatial resolution and contamination issues when using thermofusible films, particularly when dealing with uneven sample surfaces and the need to invert the film for reagent application.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus positions the sample on top and the thermofusible film on the bottom, allowing dissection laser light to be radiated from below, enabling direct reagent application and enhancing precision by using a pressing mechanism to ensure sample adherence and eliminating gaps between the film and sample.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the thermofusible film is positioned above the sample with the adhesion surface facing downward, then sample collection can be performed, but the film must be inverted for reagent application which complicates operation and reduces efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation simplicityVSAvoidanalysis efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional configuration by positioning the thermofusible film below the sample with the adhesion surface facing upward. This allows reagents to be applied directly to the film surface without inversion, simplifying operation and improving analysis efficiency. The laser irradiation system is correspondingly positioned below to irradiate through the film from the bottom side.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Reliability

If the thermofusible film is used to adhere samples, then sample collection is enabled, but gaps between the film and uneven sample surface cause contamination issues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontamination controlVSAvoidsample adherence
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By inverting the film position and orientation, the adhesion surface now faces upward toward the sample. Combined with the pressing mechanism applied from above, this ensures complete contact between the film and even uneven sample surfaces, eliminating gaps that would cause contamination while maintaining reliable sample adherence.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The pressing mechanism is applied before laser irradiation to ensure the thermofusible film is firmly pressed against the sample surface. This preliminary action eliminates gaps between the film and uneven sample surface, preventing contamination during subsequent laser irradiation and sample collection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If the dissection laser light is radiated from above, then sample excision can be performed, but the configuration becomes complex and working efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworking efficiencyVSAvoidapparatus configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the laser irradiation configuration by positioning the dissection laser light source below the thermofusible film. The laser beam passes through the transparent film from the bottom to excise samples from the top surface, simplifying the overall apparatus configuration and improving working efficiency while maintaining effective sample excision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 configuration simplifies the operation, enhances analysis efficiency, and improves spatial resolution by allowing direct reagent application without inverting the film, reducing contamination risks and increasing the number of samples that can be analyzed.

Implementation Method 1

a device (20) having a thermofusible film (22) for transferring a sample

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal bonding: Melting

Implementation Method 2

dissection laser light is radiated from below the device, and a collected sample is adhered to a top side of the device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser irradiation: Laser

Data Source

PatentEP3282241B1Laser microdissection apparatus, analyzing apparatus including laser microdissection apparatus, sample collecting method, and device employed in laser microdissection apparatus
Publication Date: 2019.12.11 NAGOYA UNIVERSITY
  • EP3282241B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3282241B1 patent drawingFigure 3(1)~4
  • EP3282241B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6(2)

AI summary

The present invention addresses the problem of providing a laser microdissection apparatus having good operational efficiency. The problem can be resolved by means of a laser microdissection apparatus which includes: a sample moving means which holds a slide on which a sample has been placed, and which is capable of moving the sample slide in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction; a device moving means on which a device having a hot melt film for transferring samples can be placed, and which is capable of moving the device in a horizontal direction; a laser radiating unit for radiating dissection laser light onto the sample to excise the part of the sample onto which the dissection laser light has been radiated, and for causing said part of the sample to adhere to the hot melt film as a collected sample; a storing means which stores and associates with one another position coordinates of the part of the sample onto which the dissection laser light was radiated, and position coordinates of the part of the hot melt film to which the collected sample has adhered; and a movement means drive control unit which controls the drive of the sample moving means and the device moving means on the basis of the position coordinates of the sample and the position coordinates of the hot melt film, stored in the storing means. The dissection laser light is radiated onto the sample through the device, from below the device.