Multiwell Plate Rim Cleaning via Wash Reservoir Fluid Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Removing residual material from multiwell plates in a high-throughput and ecologically-friendly manner is challenging, as conventional methods like inverting the plate and using filter paper are inefficient and may leave behind contaminating material.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a wash reservoir with corresponding wash wells that use a cleaning fluid to remove residual material from the rims of multiwell plates, either by positioning the plate to contact the fluid or using an automated system to invert and align the plate with the wash wells for simultaneous cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If filter paper is used to blot residual material from well rims, then some material is removed, but the process is low throughput and may leave contaminating material behind
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a fluid delivery system where cleaning fluid is pumped through tubing to dispensing positions that contact the well rims. This hydraulic approach replaces the manual blotting action with filter paper, enabling automated, high-throughput cleaning while ensuring complete removal of residual material through controlled fluid flow and washing action.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to automatically perform the cleaning function without requiring manual intervention for each well. The automated plate manipulator positions the plate, and the fluid delivery system automatically dispenses cleaning fluid to clean all wells in sequence, making the process self-sufficient and high-throughput while maintaining reliable cleaning effectiveness.
2Productivity
If manual blotting with filter paper is used, then residual material is removed, but the process is not ecologically-friendly due to paper waste
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces consumable filter paper with a reusable fluid delivery system. Cleaning fluid is pumped through tubing and dispensed onto the well rims, then collected and potentially reused or disposed of in a controlled manner. This eliminates the need for disposable paper materials, improving ecological friendliness while maintaining cleaning efficiency through automated fluid management.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to collect and potentially recover or reuse the cleaning fluid after it has contacted the well rims. By capturing the fluid that has performed the cleaning function, the system reduces waste and improves ecological sustainability, while the automated nature ensures continuous efficient operation without manual paper replacement.
3Ease of operation
If the plate is inverted and dumped, then most material is removed, but liquid or material remains at or near the rim of each well
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces cleaning fluid as an intermediary substance between the residual material and the well rim surface. The fluid is delivered to specific dispensing positions that contact the rims, chemically or physically acting to dissolve, loosen, or wash away remaining material that simple inversion cannot remove, thereby ensuring complete cleaning while maintaining operational simplicity through automated fluid application.
Solution Approach 2:
The system inverts the traditional approach by instead of relying on gravity alone to remove material, it actively applies cleaning fluid to the well rims after or during inversion. This reverse engineering of the cleaning process ensures that material adhering to rims is specifically targeted and removed, achieving complete cleaning while keeping the overall process simple and automated.
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
Effectively reduces residual material at the rims of multiwell plates without the need for filter paper, ensuring efficient and contaminant-free cleaning, suitable for high-throughput biological research applications.
Implementation Method 1
cleaning fluid may exit the inlet, and flow over the platform
Data Source
AI summary
Method and apparatus for removing residual material from sample wells of a multiwell plate. Wells located on a multiwell plate are placed in fluid communication with wash wells of a wash reservoir where cleaning fluid is provided to remove residual material from the sample wells of the multiwell plate.