Laser Microdissection Well Alignment for Reliable Dissectate Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser microdissection systems face challenges in precisely and reliably collecting dissectates into collection wells without them adhering to the well walls.
Innovation Solution
A laser microdissection system that includes a well positioning unit to align the center of a collection well beneath the dissectate based on outline data, combined with a controller to manage the positioning of the well and manipulation light beam for precise collection, utilizing focused or defocused laser pulses for separation and capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the dissectate is separated from the sample, then the dissectate can be collected for further processing, but the dissectate may become stuck to the well wall or not be collected reliably
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary positioning of the well based on outline data before the actual dissection occurs. The controller calculates the target position of the well relative to the dissectate location and adjusts the well position in advance, ensuring that when the dissectate is separated, it will fall into the well rather than sticking to the well wall.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses outline data from the sample to provide feedback for positioning the well. The controller continuously monitors the dissectate location through imaging and adjusts the well position accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that ensures reliable collection.
2Manufacturing precision
If the well is positioned to capture the dissectate, then collection precision is improved, but the system complexity increases due to additional positioning mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The well positioning unit serves multiple functions: it positions the well for collection, adjusts the well location based on outline data, and ensures the dissectate falls into the well. By consolidating these functions into a single unit controlled by the controller, the system achieves high collection precision without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary that processes outline data and translates it into positioning commands for the well positioning unit. This mediator coordinates the complex interactions between the dissection unit, imaging system, and well positioning mechanism, simplifying the overall control architecture.
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 high-precision and reliable collection of dissectates into collection wells, minimizing adherence to well walls and ensuring consistent capture.
Implementation Method 1
a laser light source configured to generate a manipulation light beam
Implementation Method 2
the objective of a microscope to separate a small portion... The objective of the microscope may be used to focus the manipulation light beam in the sample space
Implementation Method 3
A short pulse of defocused manipulation light may be used to tear the dissectate from the sample using radiation pressure, thereby separating it. A short, defocused laser pulse may also be used to catapult the dissectate into the well
Implementation Method 4
The separated dissectate may then fall into the well under the influence of gravity
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
A laser microdissection system (100) comprises a microscope (110) having an objective (114) directed at a sample space (120), and a laser light source (126) configured to generate a manipulation light beam. The laser microdissection system (100) also comprises a dissection unit (134) configured to couple the manipulation light beam into the microscope (110), and to separate a dissectate (104) from a sample (102) arranged in the sample space (120) by directing the manipulation light beam onto the sample (102) according to outline data relating to an outline (304) on the sample (102) surrounding the dissectate (104). The laser microdissection system (100) also comprises a well positioning unit (138) configured to move a collection arrangement (108) comprising at least one well (106) arranged below the sample (102) relative to an optical axis of the objective (114), wherein the well (106) is configured to capture the dissectate (104). The laser microdissection system (100) further comprises a controller (140) configured to control the well positioning unit (138) to move the collection arrangement (108) based on the outline data such that a center (302) of an opening of the well (106) is arranged below the dissectate (104).