Real-Time Microscopy Triggered Fixation for Electron Sample Prep
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is currently no comprehensive and consistent method for automatically, reproducibly, and conveniently processing biological samples observed through light microscopy for electron microscopy, leading to inefficiencies in sample preparation and analysis.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that utilize image analysis from a microscope to detect specific biological events, triggering a fluidics activation system to treat the sample, such as fixation or cryofixation, ensuring reproducible sample preparation for electron microscopy by capturing images and analyzing them in real-time to initiate appropriate treatments based on predefined criteria.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual sample preparation procedures are used for electron microscopy, then flexibility in processing different samples is maintained, but reproducibility and automation are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs image analysis to detect biological events in real-time and provides feedback to automatically trigger sample preparation procedures. The microscope captures images, the image analysis module processes them to detect events, and upon detection, the system automatically initiates the appropriate preparation protocol, ensuring reproducible results through automated feedback control
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables samples to serve themselves by automatically detecting their own biological events and triggering the necessary preparation procedures without manual intervention. The sample's inherent biological signals are detected and used to automatically initiate processing, making the system self-regulating and highly reproducible
2Productivity
If comprehensive manual processing procedures are implemented, then sample preparation completeness is improved, but time consumption and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by continuously monitoring samples and pre-positioning preparation protocols ready to execute. When a biological event is detected, the predetermined preparation sequence is immediately activated, eliminating delays associated with manual decision-making and procedure initiation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated control system that uses image analysis and computer-controlled fluidics. The mechanical sample preparation steps are substituted with an automated system that detects biological events through imaging and automatically executes preparation procedures, dramatically increasing throughput while reducing time
3Ease of operation
If real-time image analysis is implemented to detect biological events, then automation and reproducibility are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves ease of operation through multi-functionality, where a single integrated platform performs imaging, event detection, and automated sample preparation. This universal system eliminates the need for separate manual operations for each preparation step, making the complex automated process easy to operate through a unified interface
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple functions (microscopy, image analysis, event detection, and sample preparation control) into a single integrated system. By combining these previously separate operations into one coordinated platform, the system reduces operational complexity despite the advanced capabilities, making automated reproducible preparation accessible
Data Source
AI summary
Described is a system and method for detecting whether a biological event has occurred in a cellular sample, and then activating a fluidics system to fix the cell at the point in time with the event occurred. In one example, a sample preparation system includes a camera linked to a confocal microscope that is interrogating a cellular sample. Once a detectable event, such as a binding event, has occurred, the sample preparation system releases a fixative to fix the cell at the point in time when the event was detected.