Pneumatic Microplate Assembly for Automated Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The cultivation and handling of large numbers of 3D cell cultures, such as organoids, are labor-intensive and time-consuming, requiring improved efficiency, safety, and reproducibility, with existing microplate technologies often lacking in automated handling and contamination prevention.
Innovation Solution
A microplate assembly with a detachable lid and duct system that uses pressure changes to seal and move samples leak-tight, allowing for automated handling and mixing without manual intervention, featuring a pressure source integrated into the baseplate and elastic insertion elements for secure sealing and flexible operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual handling of microplates is used, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but labor intensity increases and contamination risk rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical handling with an automated pneumatic system. A pressure source applies negative pressure through ducts to the microplate, causing the lid to seal automatically to the plate without manual intervention. This substitution eliminates human contact during sealing operations, reducing contamination risk while maintaining operational control.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses pneumatic pressure control to achieve automated sealing. By applying negative pressure through the duct system, the lid is pulled onto the microplate and sealed automatically. This pneumatic mechanism enables remote, contamination-free operation while maintaining precise control over the sealing process.
2Productivity
If automated machinery is used to cultivate organoids, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into modular components: a pressure source, a duct system with multiple openings, and a microplate with lid. Each component performs a specific function and can be independently controlled or replaced. This segmentation allows for scalable automation without requiring a completely complex integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The pneumatic pressure system serves multiple functions: it seals the lid to the microplate, maintains sterile barriers, and can potentially control other aspects of the cultivation process. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated mechanisms, thereby managing complexity while enhancing productivity.
3Reliability
If leak-tight sealing is implemented, then sample safety improves, but ease of operation decreases due to automation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-sealing through the pneumatic pressure mechanism. When negative pressure is applied, the lid automatically seals to the microplate without requiring manual alignment or engagement. The system serves itself by using pressure differential to achieve the sealing action, improving sample safety while reducing operational complexity.
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 efficient, safe, and reproducible handling and mixing of samples, reducing labor and contamination risks, and facilitating high-throughput applications in automated laboratory settings.
Implementation Method 1
The duct is configured to conduct pressure in order to move the insertion element and the lid
Implementation Method 2
The insertion element is configured to seal the first duct opening when it is received by the first duct opening
Implementation Method 3
allows moving the samples inside the sample cavities by rotating the microplate assembly. The moving of the samples may cause mixing.
Data Source
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AI summary
A microplate assembly (100, 806) is provided for a plurality of samples, comprising a microplate (102) including a plurality of sample cavities (108) and at least one duct (116), with each sample cavity (108) having a cavity opening (112) and the duct (116) having a first duct opening (118) and a second duct opening (120) connectable to a pressure source. The microplate assembly (100, 806) further comprises a detachable lid (106) configured to cover at least the sample cavities (108) and including at least one insertion element (126), wherein the insertion element (126) is arranged and configured to be receivable by the first duct opening (118), and wherein the duct (116) is configured to conduct pressure in order to move the insertion element (126) and the lid. In a further aspect a method for mixing samples by means of the microplate assembly (100, 806) is provided.