Sample Preparation Composition for Xylene-Free Dehydration and Clarification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing compositions for processing biological, histological, and cytological samples, particularly those with an adipose component, are toxic, time-consuming, and inefficient, posing health risks and requiring multiple steps.

Innovation Solution

A composition comprising isoparaffin and alcohols with 5 or 6 carbon atoms, such as n-hexanol and ethanol, is used for simultaneous dehydration and clarification at room temperature and pressure, eliminating the need for xylene and reducing processing time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If xylene is used for dehydration and clarification steps, then the sample processing is effective, but the toxicity and health risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample processing effectivenessVSAvoidtoxicity and health risks

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by replacing xylene with a specific mixture of alcohols (ethanol, isopropanol, n-butanol, n-pentanol) and hydrocarbons (hexane, heptane, octane). This parameter change maintains the dehydration and clarification effectiveness while eliminating the toxic and carcinogenic properties of xylene, thus resolving the contradiction between processing effectiveness and health safety

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a composite reagent system consisting of multiple alcohols and hydrocarbons working together to achieve the dehydration and clarification functions previously requiring xylene. This composite approach provides both the necessary processing effectiveness and the safety benefits of avoiding xylene, addressing the technical contradiction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If multiple dehydration and clarification steps are performed, then the sample processing is thorough, but the processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample processing thoroughnessVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the dehydration and clarification functions into a single integrated step using the composite reagent system. Instead of performing separate sequential steps with different reagents, the invention combines multiple functions into one treatment, thereby maintaining processing thoroughness while significantly reducing the overall processing time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The composite reagent system serves multiple functions simultaneously - it acts as a dehydrating agent, a clarifying medium, and is compatible with paraffin embedding. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate treatment steps, resolving the contradiction between thorough processing and processing time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If xylene is used repeatedly in the processing sequence, then the sample preparation is complete, but the operational complexity and safety requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample preparation completionVSAvoidoperational complexity and safety requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes xylene from the processing sequence entirely, replacing it with a safer alternative composition. This extraction eliminates the need for repeated xylene handling, thereby reducing operational complexity, safety requirements, and environmental hazards while maintaining complete sample preparation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses readily available, safer alternative reagents (common alcohols and hydrocarbons) that can be easily disposed of or degraded, replacing xylene which requires special handling and disposal procedures. This approach simplifies operational requirements and reduces the burden on laboratories while achieving the same preparation goals

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 solution provides safer, faster, and more effective sample processing with improved tissue morphology, reducing health risks and operational complexity.

Implementation Method 1

dehydration step, in which the water in the sample is replaced by anhydrous reagents

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDehydration:

Implementation Method 2

clarification step, in which the anhydrous reagent is replaced by a component (clarifying medium) that can be mixed both with the anhydrous reagent and the embedding medium

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectClarification:

Implementation Method 3

impregnation step, in which the clarifying medium is replaced by the impregnation medium (or embedding medium)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImpregnation:

Data Source

PatentUS20260002848A1Method for preparing biological, histological, autopsical, cytological samples and composition therefor

Publication Date: 2026.01.01 IMBERG SPA

AI summary

The present invention relates to a novel composition for preparing biological, cytological, histological and autopsical samples, in particular to a composition capable of merging reagents for the dehydration, clarification, and to its use in the preparation of samples for analysis.