Microscope Slide Staining With In Situ Heat-Induced Antigen Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antigen retrieval methods for biological specimens on microscope slides require high temperatures and pressures that are typically achieved using bulky and cumbersome devices like pressure cookers and autoclaves, which are inefficient for individual slide processing.
Innovation Solution
An automated microscope slide staining system with independently movable slide support elements and individually pressurizable reaction compartments that allow for precise temperature and pressure control, enabling high-temperature antigen retrieval without the need for large, unwieldy equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If pressure cookers and autoclaves are used to achieve high temperatures and pressures for antigen retrieval, then the required temperature and pressure conditions are met, but the equipment becomes bulky and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single large pressure vessel into multiple smaller independent reaction chambers, each capable of withstanding high pressure and temperature individually. This segmentation allows the system to achieve the required 100°C+ temperatures for antigen retrieval while using compact, manageable chamber sizes rather than one large bulky autoclave.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the pressurization function from a large autoclave and implements it in small, dedicated reaction chambers integrated directly with the slide holder. This extraction of the pressure-generating function into minimal spaces eliminates the need for bulky external pressure vessels while maintaining the necessary high-temperature conditions.
2Temperature
If pressure cookers are used for antigen retrieval, then high temperatures exceeding 100°C can be achieved, but the devices are clumsy and unwieldy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the slide holding mechanism with the reaction chambers, integrating the sample support structure directly into the pressurized environment. This combination eliminates the need to transfer slides between separate holding devices and pressure vessels, making the system easier to operate while maintaining high-temperature capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The reaction chambers serve multiple functions: they hold the slides, contain the antigen retrieval solution, withstand high pressure and temperature, and facilitate direct heating. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate equipment into a single integrated unit, improving ease of operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If individual slides are processed separately, then individualized antigen retrieval conditions can be applied, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the processing system into multiple independent reaction chambers that can operate simultaneously on different slides. Each chamber can be independently pressurized and heated, allowing parallel processing of multiple samples under different conditions, thus reducing total processing time while maintaining individualized control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous operation by allowing multiple reaction chambers to work in parallel without requiring sequential processing. While one chamber completes its antigen retrieval cycle, another can simultaneously begin or continue its cycle, maintaining continuous productive action and reducing overall throughput time.
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 system efficiently processes individual slides at high temperatures and pressures with minimal reagent loss, reducing processing time and enhancing specimen staining efficiency by allowing independent operation of each slide, thus improving workflow and reducing downtime.
Implementation Method 1
the heating element heats the microscope slide and reagent thereon to temperatures in excess of 100° C.
Implementation Method 2
the pressurizable reaction compartment is pressurized to a level above atmospheric pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A microscope slide staining system has a chamber, a plurality of slide support elements, a plurality of spreading devices positionable in association with microscope slides supported on the slide support elements so the spreading devices define a gap between the spreading device and the microscope slide and so the spreading device and the microscope slide are movable relative to one another to spread at least one reagent on the microscope slide independent of the other spreading devices and microscope slides.