Microwell Convex-Concave Structure Bubble Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing cell culture vessels with microwells face challenges in bubble removal due to their small size, making the culture medium addition procedure cumbersome and affecting the operability of the microdrop technique.
Innovation Solution
A cell culture vessel with a convex-concave structure on the side surface of the microwell, where the height of the linear convex part is 5 µm or more, enhances bubble removal and improves culture operability by reducing the likelihood of bubble retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If microwells with small size are used to contain cells, then individual cell management is improved, but bubble removal becomes difficult and operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The side surface of the micrawell is given a specific hydrophobicity (water contact angle of 70° or more) that is different from other surfaces. This local difference in surface property causes bubbles to preferentially attach to the side surface rather than the bottom surface, making bubble removal easier while maintaining the small micrawell size for individual cell management
Solution Approach 2:
The micrawell is designed with a curved bottom surface rather than a flat one. This curvature, combined with the hydrophobic side surface, creates specific surface tension conditions that facilitate bubble detachment and removal from the micrawell, addressing the operational difficulty caused by the small micrawell dimensions
2Measurement precision
If microwells with small size are used to contain cells, then individual cell management is improved, but the procedure for adding culture medium becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrophobic side surface creates a specific interaction with culture medium and bubbles that accelerates the settling process. When culture medium is added, bubbles quickly rise and attach to the hydrophobic side surface, and the culture medium settles to the bottom more efficiently, reducing the time required for this step
Solution Approach 2:
The hydrophobic side surface automatically performs the function of bubble collection and removal without requiring external intervention. Bubbles self-attach to the hydrophobic surface and can be easily removed, eliminating the need for cumbersome manual bubble removal procedures during culture medium addition
3Measurement precision
If micrawells with small size are used to contain cells, then individual cell management is improved, but operability of microdrop technique is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrophobic side surface creates a distinct functional zone that facilitates microdrop formation and stabilization. This local surface property difference improves the operability of microdrop technique by providing a predictable interface for drop formation, while the small micrawell size maintains individual cell management capability
Solution Approach 2:
The curved bottom surface of the micrawell works synergistically with the hydrophobic side surface to optimize microdrop formation. The curvature provides a natural focal point for drop formation and ensures proper positioning, enhancing the ease of operation for microdrop technique while preserving individual cell management
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 convex-concave structure on the microwell side surface effectively reduces bubble retention, improving the culture operability and facilitating easier handling of the culture medium, thereby enhancing the overall cell culture process.
Implementation Method 1
a convex-concave structure is formed on the side surface of the micrawell, wherein the height of the linear convex part with respect to the concave part is 5 μm or more
Data Source
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AI summary
An object is to provide a cell culture vessel capable of improving culture operability. The present invention relates to a cell culture vessel comprising a bottom and a side wall, wherein at least one microwell for containing a cell is disposed on the bottom, the microwell has a bottom surface, a side surface, and an opening, a convex-concave structure is formed on the side surface of the microwell, and the side surface of the microwell is subjected to hydrophilization treatment.