Automated Cartridge for Live Cancer Cell Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional pathological methods for analyzing cancer cells are inefficient, often requiring lengthy processing times, killing cells, and are not suitable for rapid analysis at the point of care, leading to delayed treatment decisions and suboptimal patient outcomes.
Innovation Solution
A compact, automated system for processing live cancer cells from solid tumors, involving disaggregation, purification, and stabilization in isolated chambers within a cartridge, allowing for ex vivo analysis and biomarker stimulation to maintain viability and integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If traditional pathological methods are used to analyze cancer cells, then comprehensive analysis can be performed, but processing time is lengthy and cells are killed
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the sample processing into separate isolated chambers within a cartridge, with dedicated chambers for disaggregation, purification, and analysis. This segmentation allows live cell processing to occur in controlled environments without requiring lengthy traditional laboratory procedures, reducing processing time while maintaining cell viability for real-time analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a specialized cartridge system as an intermediary device between sample collection and analysis. This cartridge contains pre-configured reagents, isolated chambers, and processing mechanisms that enable rapid live cell analysis without requiring transport to external laboratories, thereby reducing processing time while preserving cell viability through controlled processing conditions
2Device complexity
If traditional laboratory processing methods are used, then thorough analysis is possible, but the process is complex and requires extensive equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple processing functions (disaggregation, purification, and analysis) into a single integrated cartridge system. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate laboratory equipment and procedures, reducing device complexity while enabling rapid analysis at the point of care, thereby improving productivity without sacrificing analytical thoroughness
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge system is designed as a universal platform that can process various types of solid tumor samples through multiple isolated chambers performing different functions. This multi-functionality allows a single device to replace complex laboratory workflows, reducing the overall system complexity required while maintaining high analysis speed across different cancer types
3Loss of time
If live cells are processed rapidly, then treatment decisions can be made quickly, but sample preparation must be simplified
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge is pre-configured with necessary reagents, isolated chambers, and processing mechanisms before use. The disaggregation and purification steps are pre-programmed into the cartridge design, allowing rapid live cell processing without requiring complex manual sample preparation procedures. This preliminary preparation enables quick processing while maintaining the precision needed for accurate analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge system performs sample disaggregation and purification automatically through its integrated chambers and mechanisms, without requiring extensive manual intervention. The system self-regulates the processing conditions within isolated chambers to maintain cell viability while achieving rapid processing, thereby reducing preparation complexity while preserving the precision required for treatment decision-making
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to improved methods and devices for analyzing a cell, aggregated cells, or a solid tumor. Such methods and devices are, for example, useful in the field of pathology and can provide improved cell processing and analytical results.