Laser Capture Microdissection Carrier with Nested Chambers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laser capture microdissection (LCM) processes require multiple sample transfers between different chambers or tubes, which can lead to contamination and inefficiencies, especially when handling diverse biological samples with varying processing needs.
Innovation Solution
A sample carrier system that accommodates different sized chambers and vessels, allowing for direct processing from lysis to downstream assays like RT-PCR, dPCR, or sequencing without intermediate transfers, using a transfer film and filter columns to manage sample volumes and reduce contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sample transfers between different chambers or tubes are performed, then different processing requirements for diverse biological samples can be met, but contamination risk increases and workflow efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The sample carrier is designed with a universal structure that can accommodate multiple different-sized chambers and vessels on a single platform. Different processing requirements are met by selecting appropriate chambers from the same carrier rather than transferring samples between separate carriers, thus reducing contamination while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The sample carrier employs a nested arrangement where smaller chambers and vessels are positioned within the larger carrier structure. This allows multiple sample processing zones to coexist on one carrier, enabling different processing steps to occur simultaneously without sample transfer, thereby reducing contamination risk while handling diverse sample types.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sample transfers between different chambers or tubes are performed, then different processing requirements for diverse biological samples can be met, but workflow efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The sample carrier serves multiple functions by integrating various sized chambers and vessels in a single platform. Users can perform multiple processing steps on different samples simultaneously without transferring between carriers, significantly improving workflow efficiency while maintaining the ability to handle diverse biological samples with varying processing needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The sample carrier is pre-configured with multiple chambers of different sizes and types before sample processing begins. This preliminary arrangement allows users to directly place samples into appropriate chambers without intermediate transfer steps, streamlining the workflow and improving efficiency while maintaining processing flexibility.
3Productivity
If a single sample carrier accommodates different sized chambers and vessels, then sample transfer is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sample carrier is segmented into multiple independent chambers of different sizes, each optimized for specific processing needs. This segmentation allows the carrier to handle diverse samples efficiently while maintaining a modular structure that manages complexity through functional division rather than monolithic design.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the sample carrier are designed with locally optimized characteristics - smaller chambers for specific assays, larger chambers for other purposes, with appropriate sealing and positioning features for each. This local quality approach allows the overall carrier structure to remain relatively simple while providing complex, tailored functionality in each chamber region.
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
The system enhances flexibility and reduces contamination risks by enabling direct processing of biological samples in various sizes, improving nucleic acid yield and workflow efficiency across different assays.
Implementation Method 1
laser capture microdissection (LCM) is a process for obtaining, selecting, and preparing biological samples
Data Source
AI summary
A carrier for holding a biological sample includes a substrate. The substrate is configured to engage a first sample chamber comprising a first opening characterized by a first opening diameter or a second sample chamber comprising a second opening characterized by a second opening diameter that is greater than the first opening diameter. The substrate includes an upper portion, a lower portion, and an intermediate portion disposed between the upper portion and the lower portion. The lower portion is disposed below the upper portion and comprises a bottom surface configured to receive a biological sample. The intermediate portion is characterized by a first substrate diameter and the lower portion is characterized by a second substrate diameter that is less than the first substrate diameter.