Automated Biological Sample Analysis via Microfluidic Kit Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for analyzing biological samples, such as determining cell nucleus size, are time-consuming and error-prone due to the need for manual selection and configuration of markers, measurement protocols, and software routines, leading to potential incorrect analysis results or method failures.
Innovation Solution
An automated analysis device with a kit containing markers, measurement protocols, and software, integrated into a microfluidic system, which automates the analysis process by transferring markers and consumables to a detection unit, generating image data, and analyzing it using pre-stored protocols and algorithms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual selection and configuration of markers, measurement protocols, and software routines is used, then flexibility in analysis customization is improved, but analysis time and error rate increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring complete analysis packages containing markers, measurement protocols, and software routines that are prepared in advance and stored in the device. When analysis is needed, the pre-configured package is simply selected and executed, eliminating the time-consuming manual configuration process while maintaining full customization capability through the variety of pre-prepared analysis options.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple separate analysis components (markers, measurement protocols, software routines) into an integrated analysis package that functions as a unified system. This combination allows the device to execute complete analysis workflows automatically without requiring separate manual configuration of each component, thereby reducing analysis time while preserving the adaptability of individual components within the package.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual configuration of analysis parameters is performed, then adaptability to different analysis requirements is improved, but operation complexity and error probability increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device applies self-service by automatically selecting and configuring the appropriate analysis parameters and protocols based on the selected analysis package and sample type. The system performs self-configuration without requiring manual intervention, thereby simplifying operation while maintaining adaptability through the diverse range of pre-programmed analysis options that can be automatically selected.
Solution Approach 2:
All possible analysis configurations are prepared in advance and stored in the device's memory. When analysis is initiated, the system automatically retrieves and configures the appropriate pre-prepared parameters based on the analysis requirements, eliminating the need for manual configuration while preserving full adaptability through the variety of pre-configured options.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate units for marker storage, data processing, and analysis are used, then functional modularity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the storage units for markers, the data processing unit, and the analysis unit into a single integrated device. The marker storage units are positioned to be directly accessible by the data processing unit, which is integrated with the analysis unit. This integration reduces system complexity by eliminating the need for multiple separate units and interfaces while maintaining full functional modularity through the organized internal architecture that allows independent operation of each functional component.
4Productivity
If automated analysis is implemented, then analysis speed and accuracy are improved, but initial setup complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The automated analysis system applies self-service by automatically executing the complete analysis workflow including marker selection, parameter configuration, data processing, and result generation based on pre-stored protocols. The system performs all operations autonomously without requiring complex manual setup or intervention, thereby achieving high analysis speed and accuracy while reducing the operational complexity burden on the user.
Solution Approach 2:
All analysis parameters, protocols, and processing algorithms are prepared and stored in advance in the device's memory. When analysis is initiated, the system automatically executes the pre-programmed sequence of operations, achieving rapid and accurate results without requiring complex real-time configuration or manual intervention during the analysis process.
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 solution enables rapid, low-error, and automated analysis of biological samples, reducing the time and space required for analysis and ensuring accurate results by integrating all necessary components and instructions within the device.
Implementation Method 1
The receiving unit of the kit is implemented as a microfluidic system; a transfer unit for transferring the markers and, if present, the operating materials from the kit to a detection unit, the transfer unit being implemented as a microfluidic system
Implementation Method 2
Devices and associated methods for detecting proteins in cell samples are known from the prior art. The samples are mixed with markers that have a binding partner with high affinity to one of the proteins to be detected and a chromophore, for example a fluorophore, whose emitted light can be recorded using a microscope
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for analysing biological samples. The apparatus has a control unit into which it is possible to insert a kit containing the markers needed to analyse a biological sample and the measurement protocols needed for this purpose. The markers and instructions from the measurement protocols are transmitted from the kit to the control unit and are supplied from there to the individual units of the apparatus.