Micro-patterned Plate with Releasable Elements and Gel Walls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for patterning and releasing biological samples on plates are limited by non-selective surface treatments, high manufacturing costs, stencil leakage, and instability of air bubbles in micro-bubble plates, which hinder precise localization and isolation of samples.
Innovation Solution
A micro-patterned plate with an array of releasable elements surrounded by gel or solid walls, where the surface properties can be tailored to inhibit cell attachment and allow for mechanical release, enabling high-speed analysis and efficient isolation of samples.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If air bubbles are used to trap and isolate samples in micro-bubble plates, then sample isolation is enabled, but the air bubbles become unstable in certain wetting solutions and long-term conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the trapping medium from gas (air bubbles) to liquid (oil bubbles). This parameter change enables stable sample isolation that is compatible with various wetting solutions and maintains reliability over long periods, resolving the instability issue of air bubbles in certain solutions.
2Manufacturing precision
If patterned surface treatments are applied to create specific chemistry regions, then sample attachment control is improved, but the samples cannot be isolated from the array
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the plate into independent micropallet units, each capable of holding isolated samples. The oil bubbles create individualized isolation zones around each sample, enabling precise patterning while maintaining the ability to isolate and manipulate individual samples independently from the array.
3Reliability
If high aspect ratio microwells are used to contain biological media, then sample containment is improved, but manufacturing difficulty and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameter of the containment structure from high aspect ratio vertical wells to low aspect ratio horizontal micropallets with oil bubble barriers. This parameter change maintains effective sample containment while dramatically simplifying manufacturing processes and reducing production costs.
4Manufacturing precision
If stencils are used for physical stenciling, then patterned media attachment is achieved, but the stencils leak between openings and require intimate contact during incubation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces oil bubbles as an intermediary substance that forms continuous barriers between micropallets. This intermediary enables precise patterned media attachment without requiring physical stencils, eliminating leakage issues and removing the need for intimate stencil contact during incubation while maintaining high pattern resolution.
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 micro-patterned plate allows for precise localization and isolation of biological samples, facilitating high-speed addressable analysis and efficient sample collection, while maintaining sample integrity and reducing manufacturing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
Oil bubbles provide contiguous, impenetrable barriers blocking access of biological sample to the spaces between the micropallets
Implementation Method 2
In order to trap air bubbles, a hydrophobic silane layer is coated on the surface of the plate
Data Source
AI summary
A micro-patterned plate composed of an array of releasable elements surrounded by a gel or solid wall and methods of manufacture of the micropatterned plate. The surface properties of walls can be tailored if needed to be repellent or attracting to proteins. The walls can also inhibit cell attachment. The walls enable cells or other materials to be localized to the tops of the releasable elements. The individual element in the array of releasable elements can be released from the array by a mechanical force.