Orientating Composition for Tissue Sample Embedding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for preparing tissue samples for histological analysis are inefficient and time-consuming, particularly in orienting and embedding small tissue samples, which are common in biopsies, requiring skilled operators and extensive manual intervention.
Innovation Solution
A composition and method using an orientating composition comprising organic solvents, gelling agents like agarose, and di or poly amines that affix and maintain tissue samples in a predetermined orientation on a tissue handling device, allowing for automated processing and embedding without further human intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual orientation and embedding methods are used, then tissue samples can be positioned correctly, but the process is time-consuming and requires skilled operators
Solution Approach 1:
The tissue sample is oriented on the supporting surface before the embedding process begins. The orientating composition is applied to the already-oriented tissue, allowing the orientation to be maintained throughout subsequent automated processing steps without requiring skilled manual intervention during embedding.
Solution Approach 2:
An orientating composition acts as an intermediary substance between the tissue sample and the supporting surface. This composition enables the tissue to be held in a predetermined orientation during automated processing, replacing the need for skilled manual manipulation while maintaining orientation precision.
2Productivity
If automated tissue handling procedures are used, then processing speed improves, but reliable adhesion of small tissue samples during embedding is difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The orientating composition undergoes a parameter change from liquid to gel state upon exposure to aqueous solutions during the embedding process. This phase transition provides reliable adhesion for small tissue samples while allowing automated handling, as the gel structure maintains tissue position without requiring manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The orientating composition is a composite material containing a gelling agent (such as agarose or alginate) combined with other components. This composite structure provides both the liquid state for easy application during automated handling and the gel state for reliable tissue adhesion during embedding.
3Adaptability or versatility
If tissue samples are kept small to reduce patient invasiveness, then patient benefit increases, but tissue handling and orientation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical manipulation required for handling small tissue samples is replaced by a chemical system. The orientating composition chemically adheres to the tissue sample and maintains its orientation throughout automated processing, eliminating the need for skilled manual handling of fragile small samples.
Solution Approach 2:
The orientating composition serves as an intermediary that facilitates the handling of small tissue samples. It provides a reliable interface between the small tissue sample and the automated processing system, enabling easy operation despite the small size and fragility of the sample.
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 method enables efficient and accurate orientation and embedding of tissue samples, reducing manual handling time and improving processing efficiency, especially for small samples, by using a composition that gels upon exposure to aqueous solutions, ensuring reliable adhesion and release during the embedding process.
Implementation Method 1
a composition that gels upon exposure to aqueous solutions, ensuring reliable adhesion and release during the embedding process
Implementation Method 2
the composition comprises at least one organic solvent and a gelling agent and wherein the composition is substantially liquid at room temperature
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
AI summary
The present invention relates to a composition and method for handling tissue samples for analysis. In particular the present invention relates to a composition and method for orientating tissue for histological and/or pathological laboratory analysis.