Microwell Edge-Groove Structure to Prevent Gelled Fluid Detachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cell culture test devices suffer from detachment of gelled fluid during fluid dispensing, leading to distorted antibiotic susceptibility test results due to displacement or dislocation of the solid thin film.
Innovation Solution
A cell culture test device with well units featuring an edge groove and bonding means to secure the gelled fluid, preventing detachment by accommodating a portion of the first fluid and using a transparent film for observation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a gelled fluid is introduced into a microwell for antibiotic susceptibility testing, then the culture time is reduced and testing is accelerated, but the gelled fluid may detach or dislocate when subsequent fluids are dispensed, distorting test results
Solution Approach 1:
The microwell is divided into multiple functional zones: a first sub-well for accommodating the gelled fluid culture, a second sub-well for receiving subsequent fluids, and an edge groove region for securing the gelled fluid. This segmentation prevents fluid mixing and detachment while enabling rapid testing.
Solution Approach 2:
The edge groove is designed with specific dimensions (thickness of 1 to 2000 μm and width of 300 to 2000 μm) to provide localized securing force exactly where the gelled fluid contacts the well wall, preventing detachment without affecting the overall culture environment.
2Ease of manufacture
If the microwell structure is simplified for easy manufacturing, then production cost is reduced, but the ability to prevent fluid detachment is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The well structure is segmented into standard sub-wells and an integrated edge groove, all formable through a single injection molding process. This segmentation allows complex fluid containment functionality to be achieved without multi-step manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The edge groove serves multiple functions: it secures the gelled fluid during dispensing, defines the boundary between sub-wells, and maintains structural integrity. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components or manufacturing steps.
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 device ensures accurate observation by minimizing fluid detachment, enabling rapid antibiotic susceptibility testing and determining minimum inhibitory concentration on a single cell basis.
Implementation Method 1
introducing the first fluid into the first sub-well and gelling the mixture solution to form a solid thin film
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a cell culture test device including a plurality of well units. Each of the well units includes an inlet portion through which a first fluid and a second fluid are introduced and a bottom portion including a first sub-well including a first fluid-accommodating space. The first fluid-accommodating space has an edge groove formed along the outer circumference of the lower end thereof to accommodate a portion of the first fluid or increases in diameter in a direction from the upper end to the lower end thereof.