Single-Step Sample Treatment Composition for Adipose Tissue Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for processing biological, cytological, and histological samples, particularly those with an adipose component, are time-consuming, require large amounts of solvents, and are not optimal in maintaining morphological and molecular characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising paraffin, isoparaffin, and an alcohol with 5 or 6 carbon atoms is used to simultaneously perform dehydration, clarification, and paraffin infiltration in a single step, reducing the number of steps and solvent use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple sequential steps (dehydration with ethanol, clarification with xylene, paraffin infiltration) are used to process biological samples, then the sample processing is thorough and effective, but the processing time is long (about 14 hours) and large quantities of solvents are required (40-45 liters per 1000 samples)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate processing steps (dehydration, clarification, and paraffin infiltration) into a single integrated composition. This composition contains paraffin, alcohol, and hydrocarbon working together to simultaneously achieve water removal, tissue clarification, and paraffin penetration that previously required sequential application of separate reagents over 14 hours
Solution Approach 2:
The single composition performs multiple functions that previously required separate specialized reagents: it dehydrates tissue by replacing water, clarifies the tissue to increase hydrophobicity compatibility, and infiltrates with paraffin all in one application, making the processing system more universal and efficient
2Reliability
If multiple sequential steps with large volumes of solvents are used for dehydration and clarification, then the treatment is complete and effective, but the quantity of solvents required is large (40-45 liters per 1000 samples)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple solvent-based processing steps into a single composition with reduced total volume. The integrated formulation achieves complete dehydration, clarification, and infiltration in one application, eliminating the need for sequential use of large volumes of ethanol and xylene that previously totaled 40-45 liters per 1000 samples
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite material formulation containing paraffin, alcohol, and hydrocarbon components that work synergistically. This composite reagent replaces multiple separate solvent systems, achieving the same or better processing effectiveness while significantly reducing the total quantity of chemical substances required
3Reliability
If tissues with adipose component are processed using conventional methods, then the processing is attempted, but the processing time is extended and the tissues are less responsive to traditional dehydration and infiltration treatments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical parameters of the processing reagent by formulating a composition specifically suited for adipose-containing tissues. The unique combination of paraffin, alcohol, and hydrocarbon in specific proportions creates a reagent with optimized properties that overcomes the resistance of fatty tissues to conventional dehydration and infiltration processes
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs a specialized composite material formulation designed to address the unique challenges of processing adipose-containing tissues. This composite reagent combines multiple components in specific ratios to achieve effective penetration and processing of fat-rich samples that are unresponsive to traditional single-reagent approaches
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 composition effectively processes tissues with an adipose component in a shorter time with reduced solvent usage, maintaining sample integrity and facilitating efficient histological analysis.
Implementation Method 1
The purpose of these steps is to remove water from the sample to allow its subsequent infiltration in paraffin, which is a hydrophobic substance
Implementation Method 2
After the clarification step with xylene, which is able to remove the alcohol and to clearly increase the compatibility with paraffin, in terms of hydrophobicity
Implementation Method 3
The final paraffin infiltration is necessary to make the sample solid enough to be cut into micrometer sections
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a novel composition for treating biological, cytological, histological and autopsical samples, in particular to a composition capable of merging reagents for the dehydration, clarification and paraffin infiltration treatments of the sample, and to its use in the preparation of samples for analysis.