Photo-patterned Hydrogel Multiwell Plate Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for preparing hydrogels for cell culture in a semi-high-throughput format are time-consuming and labor-intensive, making it challenging to achieve a wide range of stiffness and assemble them in multiwell plate formats efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for preparing photo-patterned hydrogel-containing multiwell plates using a first assembly to polymerize hydrogel precursor solutions with a photomask and flexible adhesive support, and a second assembly to position and fasten the hydrogels into a multiwell plate format, allowing for rapid assembly and control of hydrogel stiffness through light exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional hydrogel preparation methods are used, then hydrogels can be prepared with various stiffness, but the process is time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-assembling the multiwell plate structure with all necessary components (bases, spacers, photomasks, adhesive supports) before hydrogel preparation. This pre-assembly enables rapid hydrogel casting directly in the final multiwell format without subsequent assembly steps, resolving the contradiction between versatility and productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated multiwell plate assembly that combines support structures, spacing mechanisms, photomasking capabilities, and hydrogel containment. This consolidation eliminates sequential preparation steps and enables simultaneous production of multiple hydrogels with different stiffness, resolving the time-consuming nature of traditional methods
2Ease of manufacture
If hydrogels are prepared in small batches traditionally, then preparation protocols are simple, but the process is time and labor intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the hydrogel preparation process into distinct functional modules: a first assembly for hydrogel casting with integrated photomasking, and a second assembly for multiwell plate configuration. This segmentation allows parallel processing of multiple hydrogels simultaneously while maintaining protocol simplicity, reducing preparation time without complicating the manufacturing process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a flexible adhesive support as an intermediary component that facilitates hydrogel transfer and positioning. This intermediary enables rapid hydrogel handling and assembly in multiwell format without requiring complex manipulation techniques, maintaining ease of manufacture while dramatically reducing preparation time
3Manufacturing precision
If custom multiwell plate assembly is performed step-by-step, then proper hydrogel positioning is achieved, but the process is labor intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates equipotential conditions by designing the multiwell plate assembly with pre-positioned spacers and alignment features that automatically establish correct hydrogel positioning. This eliminates the need for manual alignment and positioning operations, achieving manufacturing precision without increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service through self-aligning features and snap-fit connections in the multiwell plate assembly. The structure automatically positions hydrogels correctly through geometric constraints and adhesive mechanisms, eliminating labor-intensive manual positioning while maintaining manufacturing precision
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
Enables rapid assembly of hydrogels with varying stiffness in a semi-high-throughput format, reducing preparation time and labor, while maintaining proper gas exchange and cell growth profiles comparable to standard multiwell plates.
Implementation Method 1
a photomask comprising a plurality of apertures and configured to be removably positioned over the hydrogel precursor solution where upon exposure of the hydrogel precursor solution to a light source polymerizes the hydrogel precursor solution to prepare the plurality of photo-patterned hydrogels
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a system for conservation and efficient use of energy through controlling and monitoring of devices. At least one processing controller connected to a sensor and a device, the processing controller configured to receive the ambient data from the sensor and operating parameters from the device; a user module configured to IO receive input parameters from a plurality of users; a central processing module, connected to the structure, the user module, and the admin module through wired and/or wireless connection, the central processing module configured to process the data received from the processing controller adapted in the zone of the structure and generate the optimum parameters for operating the device adapted in the zone to the structure.