Microfluidic Cover Slip Cartridge for Parallel Cell Staining

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Solution Overview

Problem

The preparation of cover slips for cell imaging is labor-intensive and time-consuming, involving multiple steps and expensive dyes, with existing microfluidic devices facing issues like fluid leaks and inefficient handling.

Innovation Solution

A microfluidic device with a cartridge and cover slip system that includes input and output ports, fiduciary marks, and a removable mounting structure to facilitate efficient cell staining and imaging, reducing reagent usage and imaging time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If multiple cover slips are processed separately for cell staining and imaging, then each cover slip can be treated individually, but the preparation time and labor intensity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecell staining qualityVSAvoidpreparation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The device segments the cover slip into multiple treatment zones (first treatment zone, second treatment zone, third treatment zone) that can be independently accessed through separate access ports. This allows different staining treatments to be applied to different regions of the same cover slip simultaneously, enabling parallel processing of multiple treatments without requiring multiple separate cover slips.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A single cover slip serves multiple functions by incorporating multiple treatment zones that can undergo different cell staining treatments. The cover slip acts as both a substrate for cell culture and a multi-chamber system for parallel treatment, eliminating the need to process multiple separate cover slips for different treatments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If expensive class-specific dyes are used for cell staining, then specific cell portions can be highlighted for viewing, but the cost of reagents increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecell observation clarityVSAvoiddye consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The treatment zones are segmented and isolated from each other by partitions, preventing dye from one treatment zone from mixing with or contaminating other zones. This containment allows each zone to use its specific dye efficiently without waste from cross-contamination, reducing overall dye consumption while maintaining staining quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Manufacturing precision

If multiple washings are performed to remove excess dye from cells, then staining quality is improved, but the process becomes more time consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestaining qualityVSAvoidwashing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The isolated treatment zones allow washing fluid to be introduced through access ports and contained within specific zones. Excess dye can be removed efficiently by directing washing fluid through the same access ports used for dye introduction, enabling thorough washing without the need for extensive manual handling of multiple cover slips.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Ease of operation

If a flow chamber with foil is used for light-microscopic examinations, then the chamber is accessible to microscopy, but the foil cannot be removed and mounted on conventional cover slip

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemicroscopic accessibilityVSAvoidcompatibility with conventional systems

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The device replicates the functionality of a conventional cover slip by creating treatment zones directly on the cover slip surface. Instead of using a separate flow chamber with foil that must be viewed through, the treatment zones are formed on the cover slip itself, making it compatible with conventional microscopy systems without requiring special flow chamber equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

5Reliability

If adhesive, hot pressing or laminating is used to affix foil to base plate in flow chamber, then the foil is securely attached, but the preparation time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefoil attachment securityVSAvoidpreparation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and eliminates the foil and base plate structure from the conventional flow chamber design. By forming treatment zones directly on the cover slip using partitions and access ports, the device removes the time-consuming steps of attaching foil to a base plate, while maintaining the functionality of enclosed treatment chambers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS8343444B2Device for improved cell staining and imaging

Publication Date: 2013.01.01 WISCONSIN ALUMNI RES FOUND

AI summary

A device is provided for facilitating preparation of a sample for imaging. The device includes a cartridge having a generally flat, upper surface, a lower surface, an input port extending between the upper and lower surfaces thereof and an output port extending between the upper and lower surfaces thereof. The cartridge includes a first recess in the lower surface thereof having a first end communicating with the input port and a second end communicating with the output port. A cover slip has an upper surface engageable with the lower surface of the cartridge such that a portion of the upper surface of the cover slip communicates with the recess in the lower surface of the recess.