Microscopic Sample Preparation via Suction and Evaporation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing blotting process for preparing microscopic samples is inconsistent and non-repetable due to calibration issues, material quality variations, and user skill factors, limiting the quality and consistency of plunge-frozen vitrified samples for electron microscopy and other cryo-techniques.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus using suction force to remove excess fluid from samples, followed by a gas stream for evaporation, allowing precise control of fluid removal and enabling repeatable, high-quality plunge-frozen samples, and incorporating optical methods for thickness measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If blotting process is used to remove excess liquid from sample, then liquid removal is achieved, but consistency and repeatability of sample preparation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical blotting process with a pressure-controlled liquid removal system. Instead of using blotting paper and manual mechanical pressure, the invention uses a pressure chamber that applies controlled negative pressure to draw excess liquid through a membrane support, eliminating the need for mechanical calibration of blotting force and paper positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs pneumatic pressure control to remove excess liquid from the sample. A pressure chamber applies controlled negative pressure (vacuum) to the sample assembly, causing excess liquid to be drawn through the membrane support in a controlled manner, replacing the variable mechanical blotting process with repeatable pneumatic control.
2Productivity
If manual blotting is performed, then excess liquid is removed, but user skill dependency increases leading to variability
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-regulated liquid removal through automated pressure control. The pressure chamber and control system automatically manage the liquid removal process without requiring user intervention for blotting paper exchange, force calibration, or timing, making the process independent of user skill while maintaining high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the control parameter from manual mechanical force to automated pressure control. By using programmable pressure parameters (negative pressure magnitude and duration), the system achieves consistent liquid removal without requiring user skill, and allows easy adjustment of parameters for different sample types.
3Manufacturing precision
If blotting paper is used for liquid removal, then excess liquid is absorbed, but paper quality variations affect results
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a disposable membrane support that replaces the blotting paper function. The membrane support is a standardized, replaceable component that provides consistent liquid removal properties without requiring monitoring of saturation levels or quality variations inherent in natural blotting paper materials.
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
This method ensures consistent and repeatable sample preparation with minimized contamination, allowing for high-resolution imaging in cryo-electron microscopy, fluorescence microscopy, and other techniques.
Implementation Method 1
a suction means configured to create a suction force to draw excess liquid through the sample support
Implementation Method 2
subsequently create a stream of gas in the vicinity of the sample in order to remove any remaining liquid on the sample by means of evaporation into the stream of gas
Implementation Method 3
the water can be turned into a glass-like form, in a process known as vitrification
Implementation Method 4
Because the freezing happens very quickly, ice crystals do not form and the resulting water has a glass-like 'vitrified' property
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(a)~2(b)
Figure 3(a)
AI summary
An apparatus for removing fluid from a microscopic sample comprises a humidity chamber configured to control the humidity therein, and a sample clamp disposed within the humidity chamber and configured to clamp a sample support, which is loaded, or adapted to be loaded, with a microscopic sample. The apparatus further comprises suction means configured to create suction at least adjacent to the sample to thereby remove fluid therefrom.