Automated Primary Cell Isolation Apparatus with Slicing and Centrifugation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for primary cell isolation require multiple technicians, leading to increased costs and contamination risks due to the complexity and variability of the process, which lacks efficiency and consistency.
Innovation Solution
A primary cell isolating apparatus comprising a slicing space, a working space, and a picking space, equipped with a sliding device, robotic arm, and automated pipette system, which automates the tissue slicing, centrifugation, and enzyme reaction processes to reduce manpower and contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple technicians are used to complete the isolation steps, then the task can be accomplished, but the cost in manpower increases and the probability of contaminating primary cells increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service automation where the isolating apparatus performs slicing, centrifugation, enzyme reaction, and washing steps autonomously without requiring multiple technicians to manually operate each step, thereby reducing both manpower costs and contamination risk from human intervention
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical operations by technicians are replaced with automated mechanical systems including a slicing device with guide rails and slicing blades, an automated centrifuge, and programmable pumps for fluid transfer, eliminating the need for multiple technicians while maintaining process reliability
2Productivity
If multiple technicians perform the isolation steps, then the task can be completed, but the isolation process lacks efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous automated operation where the slicing device continuously processes tissue samples, the centrifuge automatically spins tubes without manual intervention, and pumps continuously transfer fluids between chambers, eliminating idle time between steps and maximizing isolation throughput
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus performs preliminary actions by pre-positioning tubes in the centrifuge, pre-loading reagents into reservoirs, and pre-programming the sequence of operations before samples are introduced, thereby reducing the overall isolation time and improving throughput
3Ease of operation
If different technicians slice the tissue, then the task can be completed, but the sizes of the tissues after slicing differ leading to isolation errors
Solution Approach 1:
Manual slicing by technicians is replaced with an automated slicing device featuring guide rails that precisely control the movement of slicing blades, ensuring uniform tissue slice thickness and dimensions without relying on technician skill or variability
Solution Approach 2:
The slicing device allows programmable adjustment of slicing parameters such as blade speed, feed rate, and slice thickness, enabling precise control over tissue slice dimensions to achieve consistent results across different samples while maintaining operational flexibility
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 apparatus enables efficient and consistent isolation of primary cells by automating key steps, reducing the need for multiple technicians and minimizing contamination, thereby saving manpower and improving process efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
a centrifuge, an open-close cap device
Implementation Method 2
a heater, a rotating holder, a centrifuge
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a primary cell isolating apparatus that includes, sequentially adjacent, a slicing space, a working space, a picking space, and a sliding device mounted through the above spaces. The slicing space has a slicing device. The working space has a first gate, a heater, a rotating holder, a centrifuge, an open-close cap device, a tube rack, and a liquid transferring device. The first gate is adjacent to the slicing space. The heater is proximal to the first gate, and is sequentially adjacent to the rotating holder and the centrifuge. The open-close cap device is proximal to the first gate and is opposite the heater, and is sequentially adjacent to the tube rack and the liquid transferring device. The picking space has a second gate adjacent to the working space. Also provided is a method of using the primary cell isolating apparatus as abovementioned for saving manpower.