Monolithic Cell Grabber with Adhesive Bonding Surface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for attaching single-cell specimens for tensile measurements are either destructive, lethal, or fail to provide strong enough attachment for measuring higher forces, and are complex to fabricate and operate.
Innovation Solution
A cell grabber with a transparent, monolithic structure featuring a concave bonding surface coated with biocompatible adhesives like extracellular matrix proteins, fabricated using laser etching or photolithography, allowing secure attachment of single cells for tensile measurements without causing harm.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional attachment methods (wrapping, glass micro-needles, suction micropipettes) are used, then attachment strength is sufficient for force measurement, but the specimen is disturbed or damaged and the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an adhesive layer as an intermediary substance between the cell membrane and the holder surface. This adhesive mediator enables strong attachment without mechanical penetration or suction, thus avoiding disturbance to the cell specimen while providing sufficient attachment strength for force measurements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical attachment methods (wrapping, micro-needles, suction) with a chemical/biochemical attachment method using adhesive coatings. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical structures that disturb the specimen while maintaining attachment capability
2Strength
If cyanoacrylate glue is used for attachment, then attachment strength and setting speed are sufficient, but the cell is killed and measurement window is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the adhesive from cytotoxic materials (cyanoacrylate) to biocompatible materials (ECM gel, Matrigel, Cell-Tak, MyoTak). This parameter change in material composition maintains attachment strength while eliminating cell lethality, allowing live cell measurements
3Object-affected harmful factors
If ECM gel or Matrigel is used for attachment, then cell biocompatibility is improved, but specimen movement occurs during mechanical testing due to excessive viscosity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the viscosity parameter of the adhesive material by selecting specific formulations (ECM gel, Matrigel, Cell-Tak, MyoTak) with controlled rheological properties. This parameter optimization ensures the adhesive remains biocompatible while having appropriate viscosity to prevent specimen movement during mechanical testing
4Force
If the cell micrograbber device is used, then force measurement capability is achieved, but the device complexity and fabrication difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the attachment function from a complex mechanical device (cell micrograbber with tapered tweezer tips and control mechanisms) and implements it through a simple holder surface coated with adhesive. This extraction eliminates the need for complex mechanical gripping structures while maintaining force measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the holder transparent, allowing optical observation and imaging of the cell attachment and measurement process. This transparency enables visualization without adding mechanical complexity, replacing the need for complex sensors and actuators
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
Enables non-destructive, effective attachment and measurement of stronger forces applied to or by live single cells, with simpler fabrication and operation compared to existing methods.
Implementation Method 1
the bonding surface is coated with an adhesive film to secure the specimen
Data Source
AI summary
A cell grabber has a unitary structure including a transparent grabber head at a terminus thereof and an elongated mounting portion extending therefrom for attachment to a force transducer. The grabber head has a planar or concave bonding surface which is coated with an adhesive film to secure the specimen, especially single cells, for tensile measurements. The cell grabber may be used in connection with auxotonic, isometric or isotonic force measurement systems.