Microfluidic Cartridge Processing for Rapid Tissue Sample Imaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tissue sample analysis methods, such as Immunohistochemistry and Immunofluorescence, face limitations in multiplexing capability, turnaround time, and sample integrity due to manual handling and alignment errors, leading to inefficient and inaccurate imaging of large tissue areas.
Innovation Solution
A biological sample processing system with a microfluidic cartridge and imaging unit, featuring a handling platform with displacement mechanisms, clamping mechanisms, and temperature control, enabling rapid, efficient, and accurate imaging of tissue samples over large areas using a sequence of reagents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional manual handling and imaging methods are used for tissue samples, then flexibility and ease of operation are maintained, but turnaround time becomes extremely long (several hours) and sample integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the tissue sample processing into multiple functional modules: a microfluidic cartridge for reagent delivery and sample processing, a mechanical stage for precise positioning, and an imaging unit. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, reducing overall processing time while maintaining operational flexibility through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-positioning the tissue sample on a support and pre-loading reagents into the microfluidic cartridge before the imaging sequence. The mechanical stage is pre-configured with displacement mechanisms that prepare the sample for rapid processing, eliminating the need for manual handling during critical processing steps and reducing turnaround time.
2Adaptability or versatility
If repeated mounting and demounting of imaging coverslips is performed for multi-cycle staining, then multiplexing capability is improved, but tissue integrity is deteriorated and alignment accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the microfluidic cartridge with the imaging stage through a coupling mechanism that allows the cartridge to be mounted directly on the support holding the tissue sample. This integration eliminates the need for separate coverslip mounting and demounting operations, maintaining tissue integrity and alignment accuracy while enabling multi-cycle staining through the microfluidic reagent delivery system.
Solution Approach 2:
The microfluidic cartridge acts as an intermediary between the reagent supply and the tissue sample, providing a controlled environment for multi-cycle staining without requiring physical manipulation of the tissue sample or imaging coverslips. The cartridge's fluid delivery system enables sequential reagent application while maintaining stable positioning, thus preserving alignment accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If high magnification imaging of large tissue areas is performed, then imaging precision is improved, but the time required for whole slide scanning increases and overlaying software complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from traditional 2D planar scanning to a 3D integrated approach where the microfluidic cartridge is positioned directly over the tissue sample on the mechanical stage. This dimensional change enables high magnification imaging of large areas by combining optical precision with mechanical positioning capabilities, reducing scanning time through coordinated movement rather than sequential scanning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous useful action by integrating the microfluidic reagent delivery with the imaging sequence, allowing reagents to be delivered and images to be captured in a continuous, coordinated process. The mechanical stage displacement mechanisms enable continuous positioning and imaging without interruption, eliminating the need for separate scanning operations and reducing overall processing time while maintaining imaging precision.
Data Source
AI summary
Biological sample processing system comprising an imaging unit (2) comprising a digital image processing system and at least one microscope including at least one lens (14), a sample processing station (3) comprising a handling platform (3) including a support (17) and a displacement mechanism for moving the support (17), and a sample processing unit (7) mounted on the handling platform (5). The sample processing unit (7) comprises a tissue slide holder (11) for mounting thereon a tissue slide (34) with a biological sample (36) fixed thereon and a microfluidic cartridge holder (9) for mounting a microfluidic cartridge (4) thereon. The tissue slide holder (11) is coupled to the microfluidic cartridge holder (9) via a coupling (13) allowing the microfluidic cartridge and the tissue support to be mounted and removed from the sample processing unit in an opened position, and in a closed position for the tissue support (34) to be in sealing contact with the microfluidic cartridge (4). The sample processing station comprises a plurality of said sample processing units mounted on the handling platform (5) and moveable from a position allowing mounting of the tissue slide, respectively microfluidic cartridge, or removal thereof, to a position in which the viewing window in the microfluidic cartridge holder (9) is positioned in alignment with the lens of said at least one microscope.