Light-Blocking Mask With Variable Apertures For Microwell Plates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for generating three-dimensional matrices in microwell plates face challenges such as bubble interference, limited customization, and inefficiency in scalable production, particularly due to the limitations of existing light-blocking masks which restrict light illumination to a single, unchanging region within the wells.
Innovation Solution
A light-blocking mask with manipulative tabs and variable apertures, including through holes and partially transmissive materials, is designed to control light intensity and configuration, allowing for the generation of complex three-dimensional features by positioning the mask between a light source and the microwell plate, with features like low friction regions and alignment features for easy handling and installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a static light blocking mask with fixed openings is used to illuminate microwell plates, then light blocking for analytical purposes is achieved, but the illumination region is limited to a single unchanging area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the mask movable relative to the microwell plate. The mask can be positioned at different locations along the plate, allowing different wells to be illuminated sequentially. This transforms a static mask into a dynamic system that adapts to different illumination requirements while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mask is designed with multiple discrete openings corresponding to different wells in the microwell plate. By segmenting the illumination capability into separate openings, the mask can selectively illuminate different wells by moving to different positions, thus providing versatility without complicating the overall mask structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a sliding mask is used to expose different sets of wells, then the entire test plate can be utilized, but the time required to expose all wells significantly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mask is designed to be universal by incorporating multiple openings that can illuminate different wells. The same mask structure serves multiple functions by being repositioned, eliminating the need for multiple different masks while maintaining efficient exposure times through optimized opening configurations.
3Reliability
If illumination is performed through a photomask to block cross-illumination between wells, then cross-illumination is reduced, but the mask provides only a single static illumination pattern
Solution Approach 1:
The mask maintains reliable cross-illumination blocking at any position while gaining adaptability through movement. The same physical mask structure provides consistent light blocking performance regardless of its position on the plate, and by moving to different locations, it can create different illumination patterns without compromising the cross-illumination blocking function.
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 solution enables efficient and customizable generation of three-dimensional features within microwell plates by controlling light distribution, facilitating the formation of complex structures and scalable production without the need for tools, and allows for the creation of various shapes and sizes of apertures to accommodate different polymerization processes.
Implementation Method 1
generation of three dimensional matrices within the confines of such wells poses significant technical challenges. Many approaches to generating complex three dimensional matrices utilize photopolymerizable pre-polymers or photoactivatable gel precursors
Implementation Method 2
Various light blocking masks for use with micrawell plates have been proposed. U.S. Pat. No. 7,170,597 (to Rushbrooke and Hooper) describes the use of a mask having 96 openings that correspond in position to the wells of a 96-well micrawell plate
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and methods for the manipulation and handling of light blocking masks suitable for controlled illumination of the wells of multi-well test plates are described. Such controlled illumination can be used to generate simple or complex three dimensional forms within the wells when used in combination with suitable photoactivatable polymer or gel precursors. Light blocking masks of the inventive concept can include features that stabilize or grip a multiwell plate when in use. Such masks can have apertures having a fixed configuration, or can have apertures with transient or changeable configurations.