Multi-Channel Sample Pretreatment for Faster 96-Well Reagent Dispensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The IP-MS method for detecting Aβ deposition in Alzheimer's disease requires complex affinity purification steps involving multiple reagent solutions, which are time-consuming and labor-intensive to manually dispense into 96-well plates, leading to inefficiencies and potential errors in reagent mixing.
Innovation Solution
A sample pretreatment device with a container storage section, dispensing section, transfer section, and controller that uses M-channel or N-channel tips to simultaneously dispense reagent solutions from elongated wells into multiple wells of standard well plates, reducing dispensing time and allowing for efficient handling of multiple reagent solutions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual dispensing of reagent solutions into 96-well plates is performed, then flexibility in handling different reagents is maintained, but dispensing time and labor requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the reagent storage into multiple compartments within a single container, allowing simultaneous access to different reagent solutions. This segmentation enables the dispensing mechanism to handle multiple reagents in parallel, significantly reducing the total dispensing time while maintaining the ability to flexibly select and dispense different reagent combinations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges multiple reagent storage functions into a single integrated container with multiple compartments. This consolidation allows the system to dispense multiple reagent solutions simultaneously from one container, reducing the number of container changes and positioning operations required, thereby improving dispensing efficiency without sacrificing reagent handling flexibility.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple reagent solutions are dispensed sequentially into 96-well plates, then accuracy in reagent placement is improved, but the number of operations and time required increase
Solution Approach 1:
The dispensing mechanism is segmented into multiple dispensing units that can operate simultaneously or in coordinated sequence. Each unit maintains precise dispensing control, while the overall system achieves high throughput by parallelizing operations. The segmented container design also allows each reagent to be dispensed from its own compartment without interfering with others, maintaining accuracy while improving speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary positioning and preparation of multiple reagent containers and 96-well plates before the actual dispensing operation. This pre-positioning allows the dispensing mechanism to execute rapid sequential or parallel dispensing operations without interruption, maintaining precision while maximizing throughput by eliminating idle time between operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a large number of reagent solutions are used for IP treatment, then completeness of pretreatment protocol is improved, but dispensing complexity and time requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The container design provides universal functionality by incorporating multiple compartments that can store different reagent solutions. The dispensing mechanism is designed to handle various container types and reagent configurations, allowing the same system to accommodate different IP treatment protocols with varying numbers and types of reagents. This multi-functionality enables protocol flexibility without requiring specialized equipment for each reagent combination.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic control of the dispensing mechanism, allowing it to adapt its operation mode based on the specific protocol requirements. The controller can adjust dispensing sequences, speeds, and patterns to match the complexity of the reagent combinations being used. This dynamic adaptability enables the system to handle complex multi-reagent protocols efficiently without requiring proportional increases in physical system 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 device significantly shortens the dispensing time for multiple reagent solutions, enhances pretreatment efficiency, and allows for flexible handling of various pretreatment processes, even with a small working platform, thereby improving the reproducibility and speed of Aβ measurement preparations.
Implementation Method 1
a pump unit configured to suction and eject a liquid from and into a container placed on the working platform through the pipette unit
Data Source
AI summary
In a sample pretreatment device, a container storage section (2) holds multiple containers, including a first well plate having wells in an N×M matrix form and a second well plate having N elongated wells whose length corresponds to M wells in one row of the first well plate or M elongated wells whose length corresponds to N wells in one column of the first well plate. A dispensing section (3) includes: a platform (30) on winch containers can be placed; a pipette unit (311, 312) including an M-channel tip corresponding to M wells in one row of the first well plate or an N-channel tip corresponding to N wells in one column of the first well plate; and a pump unit (313) for suctioning/ejecting a liquid from/into a container on the platform through the pipette unit. A transfer section (4) transfers containers between the container storage section and the platform. A controller (5) controls operations of the dispensing section and the transfer section.