Magnetic Indenter for Oocyte Mechanical Characterization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current techniques for mechanical characterization of microscopic biological elements, such as living cells, are inefficient and unsuitable for precise measurement of forces applied to these cells, particularly in the context of oocyte selection for fertilization.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising support and holding means for a liquid medium, an indenting member with a permanent magnet, magnetic means for generating a controlled magnetic field, and control means for translating the indenting member to apply a calibrated load to the cell, allowing for precise measurement of mechanical characteristics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If micro-indentation or suction techniques are used for mechanical characterization of living cells, then the characterization can be performed, but the measurement precision and reliability of force application is very limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforce measurement precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces direct mechanical contact and manual indentation techniques with a magnetic field-based system. An indenting member containing permanent magnets interacts with an external magnetic field to apply controlled forces, eliminating the need for direct mechanical manipulation and enabling precise force application through magnetic field control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the control system and the cell. The magnetic field serves as the medium through which forces are transmitted to the indenting member, which then applies controlled compression to the cell, enabling indirect but precise force application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If current mechanical characterization techniques are applied to microscopic elements, then some characterization is possible, but the efficiency and calibration capability are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharacterization efficiencyVSAvoidcharacterization reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback control system where the magnetic field is adjusted based on measured displacement and force parameters. The system continuously monitors the interaction between the indenting member and the cell, using this information to refine force application and ensure accurate mechanical characterization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamic control of the magnetic field to adaptively adjust force application during the characterization process. The magnetic field strength and configuration can be modified in real-time based on cell response, enabling efficient and reliable measurement of mechanical properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables efficient, reliable, and calibrated mechanical characterization of microscopic elements by controlling the magnetic field and translational displacement of the indenting member, achieving stiffnesses of 10−3 N/m and force control to within 10 nN with excellent linearity.

Implementation Method 1

magnetic means, for generating a magnetic field in which said indenting member is intended to move and which participates in the suspension of said indenting member with an unstable horizontal direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

magnetic means, for generating a magnetic field in which said indenting member is intended to move and which participates in the suspension of said indenting member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Implementation Method 3

said indenting member includes at least one permanent magnet and one proximal end intended to indent said element of interest

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetism: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS11603516B2Device for mechanically characterizing an element of interest such as an oocyte

Publication Date: 2023.03.14 CENT NAT DE LA RECH SCI (C N R S)

AI summary

Disclosed is a device for mechanically characterizing an element of interest, for example an oocyte. The mechanical characterization device includes: a support receiving a container suitable for containing a liquid medium; a holder for holding the element of interest; an indenting member; a magnet for generating a magnetic field in which the indenting member is intended to move and which participates in suspending the indenting member with an unstable horizontal direction oriented coaxially to the longitudinal axis; a controller to control the magnet to maneuver the indenting member in translation along the unstable horizontal direction; and a component for determining the mechanical characteristics of the element of interest.