Rapid Pathology and Cytology Staining Without Washing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current pathology and cytology methods require multiple steps, including washing and lengthy incubation times, which increase costs and reduce efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A method and device using conformable plates with uniform spacers to sandwich a tissue sample and stain solution, allowing for one-step staining and imaging without washing, achieving rapid results within minutes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional pathology and cytology methods are used, then staining and visualization can be achieved, but multiple washing steps and lengthy incubation times are required, increasing costs and reducing efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing speedVSAvoidnumber of steps

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate operations (staining, washing, and visualization) into a single integrated microfluidic device that performs all functions in one continuous flow process, eliminating the need for separate washing steps and multiple incubation periods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The microfluidic device is designed with multi-functional capabilities, serving as a staining chamber, washing system, and visualization platform simultaneously, allowing one device to replace multiple traditional separate equipment and procedural steps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple washing steps are performed to remove excess stain, then staining quality is improved, but processing time and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestaining qualityVSAvoidincubation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs fluid flow dynamics and pressure-controlled microfluidic channels to automatically transport stain solutions and remove excess reagents through controlled flow, replacing manual washing steps with automated hydraulic systems that achieve precise staining with minimal intervention and time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The microfluidic device acts as an intermediary system between stain application and final visualization, using controlled fluid flow to mediate the staining process by delivering precise amounts of stain and automatically removing excess, thereby achieving high-quality staining without prolonged manual washing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If traditional staining methods are used, then analyte detection can be performed, but the process is time-consuming and costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanalyte detection sensitivityVSAvoidoperational simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The microfluidic device is designed to perform washing and stain removal automatically through its internal fluid flow channels without requiring external intervention or manual操作步骤, making the process self-sufficient and operationally simple while maintaining detection sensitivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20250283819A1Rapid pathology/cytology without wash

Publication Date: 2025.09.11 ESSENLIX CORP

AI summary

Among other things, the disclosure of the present invention is related to make pathology and cytology faster, better and lower cost. The present invention also related to rapid intra-cellular assay.