Porous Membrane Cell Collection via Segmented Transfer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for collecting and transferring biological cells from liquid samples often disrupt cell health due to mechanical forces, and there is a need for a device that can gently collect and prepare cells for imaging or analysis without damaging them.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a solid support with a porous membrane sandwiched between two support layers, allowing for gentle collection and separation of cells through microchannels, which can be easily transferred to another surface for further processing or analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If mechanical forces are applied to collect and transfer cells, then cell collection efficiency is improved, but cell health and structure are disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
A porous membrane serves as an intermediary substrate between the liquid sample and the collection surface. The membrane captures cells through gentle filtration as liquid flows through it, avoiding direct mechanical contact that would disrupt cell structures. This intermediary approach enables efficient cell collection while maintaining cell health for subsequent imaging or analysis.
2Stability of the object's composition
If cells are collected onto a fixed substrate, then collection stability is improved, but transfer to another surface for imaging becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The collection system is segmented into a separable porous membrane component that can be detached from the collection device. After cells are collected onto the membrane with stability, the membrane itself can be carefully peeled away and transferred to imaging surfaces or analysis platforms. This segmentation enables both stable collection and easy transfer operations.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a complex multi-layer device is used to maintain cell health, then cell integrity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A porous membrane material is used as the core collection element, providing a simple yet effective structure that maintains cell integrity. The porous structure allows gentle filtration and cell capture without requiring complex mechanical systems. The membrane's inherent properties enable cell collection while preserving health, avoiding the need for elaborate multi-component devices.
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 device effectively collects and prepares biological cells with minimal disruption, allowing for healthy cell handling and efficient transfer to imaging or analysis surfaces, maintaining cell integrity.
Implementation Method 1
A key challenge involves collecting biological cells suspended in solution onto a surface... The device may comprise a solid support coupled to a first support layer; and a separable sample collection layer comprising a porous membrane coupled to a second support layer. The porous membrane is positioned between the first support layer and the second support layer.
Implementation Method 2
The solid support, the first support layer and the second support layer are in fluid communication through at least one microchannel. In general terms, the device according to the invention includes one or more microchannels in the first support layer and second support layer, wherein at least one of said one or more microchannels runs through the porous membrane, and said one or more microchannels are in fluid communication with each other.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2D
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
Devices, methods, and kits directed towards collecting and preparing cells using a separable sample collection layer may be configured to collect or treat cells from a liquid sample with mechanisms for easy transfer of the cells prior to analysis or imaging. The separable sample collection layer may comprise a porous membrane that cells may be collected on, and one or more support layers comprising tape with one or more adhesive coatings and release liner. The devices, methods and kits may be configured with support layers comprising cutouts that form vertically or horizontally oriented microchannels for efficiently removing undesirable liquid. Following collection and/or treatment, cells collected onto the porous membrane may be adhered to another surface for further processing or analysis.