Somatic Plant Embryo Dispersion via Fluid Dynamics
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Solution Overview
Problem
The process of producing plants from somatic embryos in conifer species is hindered by low conversion rates from proliferation to maturation, requiring extensive manual handling, which is time-consuming, costly, and prone to contamination and inaccuracies.
Innovation Solution
A method and device utilizing fluid dynamics forces to gently disperse clusters of somatic plant embryos into individual embryos by subjecting them to extensional and compressional strains, allowing for efficient separation without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual handling is used to separate and transfer somatic embryos through multiple steps, then conversion from proliferation to maturation can be monitored and adjusted, but the process becomes time-consuming, costly, and prone to contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical handling with an automated fluid dynamics-based separation system. Clusters of somatic embryos are suspended in liquid and subjected to controlled extensional and compressional strains that gently separate individual embryos from clusters without requiring manual picking or transfer operations, thereby reducing process time while maintaining reliability through automated control
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses hydraulic principles by suspending embryo clusters in liquid and applying fluid dynamic forces (extensional and compressional strains) to achieve separation. This hydraulic approach enables automated, contamination-free processing that eliminates manual handling steps while maintaining precise control over the separation process
2Manufacturing precision
If manual handling is used for embryo separation and transfer, then precise placement and positioning can be achieved, but the cost and risk of contamination increase
Solution Approach 1:
Manual mechanical transfer operations are replaced with automated fluid dynamics-based separation and deposition. Individual embryos are separated from clusters through controlled extensional and compressional strains in liquid suspension, then deposited onto culture medium or substrates automatically, eliminating manual contact and associated contamination risks while maintaining placement precision through controlled fluid flow
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a sterile, contamination-free environment by performing all separation and transfer operations in liquid suspension under controlled conditions. The liquid medium acts as a protective barrier that prevents contamination while enabling precise embryo separation and deposition without manual intervention
3Reliability
If extensive manual handling is performed for embryo separation, germination, and plant formation, then each step can be carefully controlled, but the overall cost and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple manual operations (separation, transfer, positioning) into a single automated fluid dynamics-based process. By combining these steps into one continuous operation using extensional and compressional strains in liquid suspension, the system maintains process control while dramatically improving productivity and reducing overall processing time
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements continuous automated processing where embryo clusters are continuously suspended, separated, and deposited without interruption. This continuous action eliminates the stop-start nature of manual operations, maintaining reliable process control while significantly increasing throughput and productivity
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 method and device enable rapid, accurate, and cost-effective dispersion of somatic embryos, reducing manual handling and increasing efficiency in plant production by automating the separation process.
Implementation Method 1
subjecting the clusters of embryos to fluid dynamics forces causing extensional strain and radially compressional strain
Implementation Method 2
subjecting the clusters of embryos to fluid dynamics forces causing compressional strain and radially extensional strain
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and devices for dispersion of clusters of somatic plant embryos suspended in a liquid are disclosed. The methods comprise i) subjecting the clusters of embryos to fluid dynamics forces causing axially extensional strain and radially compressional strain and ii) subjecting the clusters of embryos to fluid dynamics forces causing axially compressional strain and radially extensional strain fluid dynamics and iii) repeating said steps in sequence until the individual embryos are separated from each other. The devices may comprise a flow channel including at least one constriction, such that clusters of embryos flowing through the flow channel are first subjected to axially extensional strain and radially compressional strain, and then to axially compressional strain and radially extensional strain from fluid dynamics forces.