Microwell Adaptor for Automated Target Material Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for single cell capture and processing are inefficient, particularly in high-density platforms, requiring extensive manual processes and prone to cell damage, leading to time-consuming and costly retrieval of target materials with high manual burden and low automation potential.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for efficient retrieval of target materials from high-density capture devices using an adaptor with mechanisms to apply forces such as magnetic, gravity-associated, or fluid pressure-driven forces, allowing for partial automation and reduced manual handling, enabling effective separation and processing of target materials while minimizing non-target material retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual retrieval methods are used for target material from high-density microwells, then flexibility and control are maintained, but operation time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical retrieval operations with an automated magnetic separation system. Magnets are inserted into the microwell array to magnetically attract and retrieve target materials (such as cells or particles) without manual pipetting or transfer operations, thereby increasing productivity while maintaining operational control through automated positioning and actuation mechanisms.
2Manufacturing precision
If extensive manual library preparation and selection processes are performed, then precision and control over cell handling are maintained, but time consumption increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary magnetic attachment of target materials to the microwell surfaces during the capture process. This pre-positioning enables subsequent rapid retrieval through magnetic actuation without requiring time-consuming manual preparation steps, thereby reducing processing time while maintaining precision through controlled magnetic force application.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual cell handling and selection operations are replaced with automated magnetic separation mechanisms. The system uses magnetic fields to selectively attach and retrieve target materials based on their magnetic properties, eliminating the need for extensive manual library preparation while maintaining precise control over which cells are retrieved and when.
3Device complexity
If traditional retrieval mechanisms are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but cell damage increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical retrieval mechanisms (such as pipetting, scraping, or physical transfer) with magnetic separation. Magnets applied to the microwell surfaces attract and retrieve target materials through magnetic forces alone, avoiding mechanical contact that could damage cells. This approach maintains system simplicity while significantly improving cell integrity and retrieval reliability.
4Productivity
If high-density capture platforms are used, then throughput and productivity are improved, but retrieval difficulty increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal magnetic separation mechanism that works across the entire high-density microwell array simultaneously. Magnets can be inserted into multiple wells at once, and the same magnetic actuation mechanism retrieves target materials from all wells, providing multi-functional capability that maintains high throughput while avoiding the need for complex individual well processing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
Complex mechanical retrieval systems (such as individual pipetting mechanisms for each well) are replaced with a simplified magnetic separation approach. The magnetic field penetrates the microwell array structure, allowing simultaneous attraction and retrieval of target materials from high-density configurations without requiring complex mechanical interfaces for each well, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
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 significantly reduces manual operation time, increases retrieval efficiency, and decreases downstream processing costs by automating repetitive steps, ensuring accurate and efficient retrieval of target materials with minimal cell damage.
Implementation Method 1
the adaptor can include a cavity configured to, in response to an applied force, promote release of target material from the set of wells
Implementation Method 2
using an adaptor with mechanisms to apply forces such as magnetic, gravity-associated, or fluid pressure-driven forces
Implementation Method 3
using an adaptor with mechanisms to apply forces such as magnetic, gravity-associated, or fluid pressure-driven forces
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for target material retrieval and processing, the system comprising: an adaptor configured to interface with a capture region of a capture substrate for capturing particles in single-particle format within a set of wells, wherein the adaptor comprises a first region configured to interface with the capture region, a second region, and a cavity extending from the first region to the second region; and a support structure coupled to the adaptor and providing a set of operation modes for movement of the adaptor relative to the capture substrate. The system enables methods for magnetic and/or other force-based methods of retrieval of target material (e.g., derived from single cells).