Rotating Substrate Dispensing for Uniform Reagent Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for sample analysis, such as in situ sequencing and hybridization, face challenges in providing precise reagents and maintaining sample quality, particularly due to the fragility of biological samples and the need for precise control over reagent distribution.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a rotating device with a substrate that holds a sample and a liquid handler to disperse reagents evenly across the sample, using a retaining mechanism to secure the substrate and form an enclosed flow cell for improved sample preparation and analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual reagent application is used, then sample handling is simple, but reagent distribution is uneven and sample quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a rotating substrate holder that dynamically rotates during reagent application. This rotational motion transforms the static manual application process into a dynamic automated system, ensuring uniform reagent distribution across the sample while maintaining manageable system complexity through a single degree of freedom rotation mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating substrate holder automatically positions and distributes reagents across the sample without requiring manual intervention for each positioning step. The system serves itself by using the rotation mechanism to both hold and actively distribute the reagent, eliminating the need for complex multi-axis positioning systems.
2Reliability
If conventional sample handling is used, then操作流程 is simple, but sample integrity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating substrate holder provides dynamic control over sample positioning and reagent application timing. This controlled rotation allows precise management of sample exposure to reagents, maintaining sample integrity through standardized, repeatable handling procedures while keeping operation simple via automated rotation control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter from static manual handling to controlled rotational motion. This parameter change enables precise control over reagent application timing and distribution, improving sample integrity while maintaining ease of operation through automated parameter control.
3Manufacturing precision
If excessive reagent is applied, then complete coverage is achieved, but reagent waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating substrate holder enables dynamic control of reagent application by distributing a smaller volume of reagent uniformly across the sample during rotation. This eliminates the need to apply excess reagent for complete coverage, as the rotational motion ensures even distribution from a minimized reagent volume, reducing waste while maintaining precision.
4Productivity
If multiple manual application steps are used, then precise control is achieved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating substrate holder merges multiple manual application steps into a single automated rotational process. Instead of manually positioning and applying reagent in separate steps, the system combines holding, positioning, and distribution functions into one continuous rotation operation, improving processing speed while maintaining distribution control through automated motion.
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
This system enhances sample deposition and conservation, ensuring even distribution of reagents and maintaining sample integrity, which is particularly beneficial for delicate biological samples and expensive reagents.
Implementation Method 1
The rotating device is configured to rotate at a speed sufficient to disperse the liquid within the well
Implementation Method 2
The retaining mechanism is configured to apply a vacuum force to a surface of the substrate thereby securing the substrate to the rotating device
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for dispensing a liquid on a substrate are disclosed. The system may be used to coat a substrate and/or a sample (e.g., a biological sample) with a liquid. The system includes a rotating device configured to rotate about an axis and a substrate disposed on the rotating device. The substrate comprises a well configured to hold a liquid and the substrate is positioned on a surface of the rotating device perpendicular to and concentric with the axis. The system further includes a liquid handler configured to dispense the liquid into the well. The rotating device is configured to rotate at a speed sufficient to disperse the liquid within the well.