Oscillating Abrasive Array for Non-Destructive Zebrafish Genotyping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current genotyping techniques for zebrafish are time-consuming, labor-intensive, and lack automated tools for live animals, limiting large-scale screens and the identification of new therapies and bio-pharmacological pathways.
Innovation Solution
A device with a multi-reservoir array and movement mechanism that allows for rapid, non-destructive genetic material collection by using an abrasive surface to remove genetic material from live zebrafish embryos without destroying them, enabling high-throughput genotyping and sorting of live embryos.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional fin clipping and genotyping methods are used on adult zebrafish, then genotyping accuracy is achieved, but the process requires two to three months of growth time and four to six hours of manual labor per 96 fish
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs genotyping at early embryonic stages (72-96 hours post-fertilization) rather than waiting for adult development. Embryos are collected en masse, placed in individual wells with abrasive surfaces, and subjected to oscillation to collect genetic material, enabling genotyping before the organisms reach maturity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual fin clipping with an automated mechanical oscillation system. A shaker plate or orbital shaker applies controlled oscillation to wells containing embryos and abrasive surfaces, mechanically collecting genetic material without human intervention, thereby increasing throughput and reducing labor time
2Quantity of substance
If individual zebrafish are sacrificed for genotyping, then genetic information is obtained, but the process becomes even more laborious and requires additional testing, limiting large-scale screens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple operations into a single integrated process: embryo collection, individual well placement, abrasive surface contact, oscillation-based genetic material collection, and DNA extraction all occur in sequence without intermediate handling steps. This streamlined workflow reduces complexity while enabling processing of hundreds of embryos simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The abrasive surfaces are designed to passively collect genetic material during oscillation without requiring additional reagents or complex extraction protocols. The system uses the mechanical motion itself to facilitate DNA collection, simplifying the overall process
3Extent of automation
If automated genotyping tools for live animals are absent, then manual processing is required, but this limits the ability to perform large-scale screens and identify new therapies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automation by replacing manual fin clipping and DNA extraction with a mechanical oscillation system. The shaker plate applies controlled vibrations that cause embryos to contact abrasive surfaces, automatically collecting genetic material from multiple wells simultaneously without human intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and handling parameters of zebrafish from adult stage to early embryonic stage, and from individual processing to bulk processing in multi-well formats. This enables parallel processing of hundreds of samples, dramatically increasing screening capacity
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 enables efficient and rapid genotyping of live zebrafish embryos, reducing time and effort, allowing for early-stage mutant screening and maintaining embryo viability, with a survival rate of at least 80% and potential for automated high-throughput processing.
Implementation Method 1
an abrasive surface capable of generating and or retaining a source of genetic material in a liquid carrier... moving the abrasive surface relative to the living source of the genetic material in a manner that can remove genetic material from the source of the genetic material
Data Source
AI summary
A device for rapid non-destructive genetic material collection can include a multi-reservoir array (202) and a movement mechanism. The multi-reservoir array (202) can include multiple reservoirs (204). A plurality of the multiple reservoirs (204) can include an abrasive surface (210) capable of retaining a source of genetic material in a liquid carrier. The abrasive surface (210) has a roughness. The movement mechanism can be operable to move the multi-reservoir array (202) in an oscillating motion sufficient to create relative movement between the abrasive surface (210) and the source of the genetic material in order to remove a portion of genetic material from the source of the genetic material without destroying the source of the genetic material or the portion of the genetic material that is removed.