Nano-suction device for precise sample transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for transferring microscopic, isolated samples, such as those obtained through laser micro-dissection, often result in sample damage or contamination due to inadequate transfer techniques, and lack precise control and optical monitoring capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A device with a nano-suction apparatus featuring a suction tube and terminal membrane, coupled with a vacuum/overpressure unit and a carrier apparatus for precise positioning, allowing for careful suction and blowing of samples onto or from the terminal membrane, ensuring defined and controlled transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If glass needle micro-dissection is used to collect samples, then individual cells and cell compartments can be isolated, but the sample is damaged due to scraping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a terminal membrane as an intermediary carrier between the laser micro-dissection system and the analysis arrangement. The membrane supports the isolated sample during transfer, preventing direct contact and damage that occurs with glass needle scraping. This mediator allows precise sample collection while protecting sample integrity throughout the transfer process.
2Measurement precision
If laser capture micro-dissection is used to isolate cell groups, then cells can be removed by melting the film locally, but transfer control and optical monitoring are difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates optical monitoring capabilities that provide feedback during the transfer process. The system can visually track the sample on the terminal membrane and adjust transfer parameters accordingly, enabling precise control while maintaining the isolation precision achieved through laser capture micro-dissection.
3Productivity
If catapulting methods are used to transfer samples, then isolated samples can be moved to analysis arrangement, but sample damage occurs during the catapulting process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs pneumatic pressure control through a vacuum/overpressure unit to transfer the sample. By controlling pressure differentials, the system can gently move the sample from the object table to the analysis arrangement without the mechanical stress and damage associated with catapulting methods, while maintaining transfer efficiency.
4Productivity
If existing transfer methods are used, then samples can be moved from object table to analysis arrangement, but defined picking-up and setting-down is not guaranteed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a dynamically controllable terminal membrane that can be positioned and held in specific states during transfer. The membrane's position and the pressure applied to it are continuously adjustable, ensuring reliable picking-up and setting-down of the sample at defined locations, thereby improving transfer reliability while maintaining productivity.
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 solution prevents sample damage and ensures precise, reproducible transfer of isolated samples, enabling effective monitoring and integration with existing micro-dissection systems.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum/overpressure unit which can be coupled to the nano-suction means for sucking or blowing the sample onto or from the terminal membrane
Implementation Method 2
In this technique a pulsed UV laser with power peaks of a few watts is directed onto the area of tissue to be isolated from below. Cells or cell groups can be deliberately isolated using the UV laser and in a further stage these are isolated upwards onto a collection device with the aid of light pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a device for transferring a microscopic, isolated sample, particularly a membrane-supported micro-dissected specimen, from an object table to an analysis arrangement, with a suction apparatus comprising a nano-suction means with a suction tube and a terminal membrane and a vacuum/overpressure unit which can be coupled to the nano-suction means for sucking or blowing the sample onto or from the terminal membrane; and a carrier apparatus for carrying the nano-suction means, which can be moved by means of an associated positioning unit for positioning the nano-suction means exactly in a sample removal position for sucking the sample onto the terminal membrane and in a sample release position for blowing the sample from the terminal membrane. A micro-dissection system, comprising such a device and a method for the production of a nano-suction means that is used in such a device.