Multi-well Separation Device with Reversible Walls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for high-throughput screening in multi-well plates are inefficient and prone to errors due to the need for repetitive pipetting and mechanical stress, which can damage target agents like cells and induce non-uniform distribution.
Innovation Solution
The development of multi-well separation devices with reversible separation wall structures and reagent loading devices with protrusions for simultaneous delivery of test agents, allowing for efficient separation and mixing of volumes without repetitive pipetting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional pipetting methods are used to deliver test agents to each well individually, then delivery precision can be maintained, but the process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual delivery operations into a single parallel operation by providing a device with multiple protrusions that can simultaneously deliver test agents to multiple wells. This combining of operations dramatically increases throughput while eliminating the time loss associated with repetitive sequential pipetting.
Solution Approach 2:
The delivery device is segmented into multiple protrusions, each capable of independent delivery to a specific well. This segmentation allows parallel operations across multiple wells while maintaining the precision of individual delivery, resolving the contradiction between throughput and precision.
2Strength
If shaker or vibrator is used to mix reagents in multi-well plates, then mixing can be achieved, but small volume wells and high viscosity fluids do not mix effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing function is segmented and applied locally to each well through the protrusions, which can be inserted into individual wells to provide direct mixing action. This localized approach overcomes the limitations of global shaking for small volume and high viscosity samples.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical shaking system with a direct insertion mixing mechanism where protrusions are inserted into wells to mix contents. This substitution provides more effective mixing for small volumes and high viscosity fluids by applying mechanical action directly at the well level rather than relying on plate-level vibration.
3Strength
If pipetting is used to mix well contents, then mixing can be achieved, but large shear stresses are created that may detach or damage target agents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the high-shear pipetting mechanism with a gentler mixing mechanism implemented through the protrusions. The protrusions can be configured to mix contents through methods that avoid the large shear stresses generated by pipette tips, thereby protecting target agents from damage while still achieving effective mixing.
Solution Approach 2:
The protrusions serve as an intermediary mixing tool that transfers the mixing function from the harmful pipetting mechanism to a gentler alternative. This intermediary approach allows mixing to occur without direct exposure to the high shear stresses that would damage target agents.
4Stability of the object's composition
If traditional multi-well plates with fixed walls are used, then structural stability is maintained, but reversible separation and combination of volumes cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic, removable separation walls that can be selectively inserted and removed to create or eliminate partitions between wells. This dynamic feature provides reversible separation capability while maintaining the structural stability of the overall plate when walls are in place.
Solution Approach 2:
The separation walls serve multiple functions: they provide structural partitioning when needed, can be removed to allow volume combination, and can be selectively positioned to create different well configurations. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between stability and adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are multi-well separation devices configured to allow a composition comprising a target agent to be separated into multiple wells, subdivided, recombined into a single well, and/or re-separated into the same or a different configuration of wells. Also described herein are reagent loading devices configured to simultaneously deliver one or more test agents to a plurality of volumes without having to individually deliver the test agents. Together, these devices allow high throughput parallel processes without repetitive pipetting or liquid handling robotics, though they may also be used separately. Also described herein are kits and systems for chemical or biological assays, as well as methods for using the multi-well separation devices and reagent loading devices described herein.