Phantom for Testing Radiotracer Cell Uptake
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for testing drug-cell interaction, particularly in PET and SPECT imaging, face challenges in predicting drug response in small-animal models and are labor-intensive and unreliable in cell culture studies, limiting larger-scale investigations due to difficulties in accurately measuring radiotracer molecule accumulation and cell uptake.
Innovation Solution
A device and system that automates the testing of radiotracer molecule accumulation on biological cells using a receptacle and specimen carrier with a filter means, allowing direct observation of cell uptake and saturation without manual intervention, enabling high-throughput and efficient drug-cell interaction testing by mimicking blood flow and delivering radiotracer molecules through a pump system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If small-animal models are used for pre-clinical drug testing with PET or SPECT cameras, then disease mechanism investigation and drug response assessment are possible, but the required amount of radiotracer molecules is ill-defined and prediction of drug response is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a simplified in-vitro copy of the in-vivo system by using cell cultures instead of whole animals. The cell culture model replicates the essential biological interactions for radiotracer uptake while eliminating the complexity of whole-organism physiology, allowing for controlled investigation of drug-cell interaction mechanisms without the uncertainties of animal modeling.
2Reliability
If conventional cell culture methods are used for drug testing, then cell function and drug metabolism can be studied, but the procedures are lengthy, labor intense, and involve high personal intervention reducing reliability and reproducibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated fluid handling systems that self-regulate the delivery of radiotracer solutions to cell cultures. The system automatically controls flow rates, timing, and volumes without requiring manual intervention for each step, thereby eliminating human error and variability while maintaining consistent testing conditions across multiple experiments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations (pipetting, washing, centrifugation) with automated fluid handling systems and imaging-based detection. Instead of manual manipulation of cells and reagents, the system uses controlled fluid flow and non-invasive imaging to achieve the same objectives, significantly reducing labor intensity and improving reproducibility.
3Productivity
If manual procedures are used for cell uptake testing including centrifugation and washing, then radiotracer accumulation can be measured, but the processes are complex and time-consuming limiting high-throughput capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the time-consuming manual steps of centrifugation and washing from the testing protocol. By using automated fluid handling to directly deliver and remove radiotracer solutions, the system achieves the same separation and measurement objectives without the intermediate mechanical steps, dramatically reducing procedure time and enabling high-throughput screening.
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
This approach allows for reliable and efficient testing of drug-cell interaction with reduced manual handling, improved reproducibility, and increased throughput, providing insights into accumulation mechanisms without the need for complex procedures like centrifugation or washing, thus enhancing the reliability and scalability of drug testing.
Implementation Method 1
delivering radiotracer molecules through a pump system
Implementation Method 2
specimen carrier or the specimen comprises a filter means such as a filter paper, fabric, or membrane including gel membranes
Implementation Method 3
testing accumulation of radiotracer molecules to biological cells... cell uptake and saturation
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a device, system, use, and method for testing accumulation of radiotracer molecules to biological cells, and more particularly, for testing cell uptake and saturation. Therein, the device comprises a receptacle having an inlet, an outlet, and an opening for receiving a specimen carrier. The device further comprises the specimen carrier that comprises means for holding a specimen and is configured such that after loading of the specimen carrier with a specimen and insertion of the specimen carrier into the receptacle, the specimen being in fluid connection with the interior of the receptacle.