Template-Guided Tissue Microarray Fabrication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for creating tissue microarrays are often complex and expensive, making them inaccessible to many researchers, despite the need for high-throughput screening of clinical samples for molecular markers in medical research.
Innovation Solution
A method using a template with openings aligned over a recipient block to guide the insertion of samples into receptacle holes, allowing for the formation of microarrays without requiring expensive automated tools, and utilizing a second template for additional alignment and sample insertion precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If automated arraying tools are used to create tissue microarrays, then manufacturing precision and productivity are improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a template as an intermediary component that mediates between the simple manual punching tool and the recipient block. The template with pre-defined opening patterns ensures precise array alignment without requiring complex automated positioning systems. The template acts as a physical guide that translates the desired array geometry into accurate sample placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The template serves as a physical copy or replica of the desired array pattern. By creating a template that mirrors the target array geometry, the invention allows direct copying of the pattern onto the recipient block through simple alignment and punching operations, eliminating the need for complex automated positioning and measurement systems.
2Productivity
If automated arraying tools are used to create tissue microarrays, then productivity is improved, but cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the array creation process into two independent components: the template (containing the pattern information) and the punching tool (containing the sample transfer function). This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured simply and inexpensively, while their combination enables high-throughput array production. The template can be reused multiple times, amortizing its cost over many arrays.
Solution Approach 2:
The template and punching tools are designed as inexpensive, simple components that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. Rather than investing in expensive automated equipment, the invention uses cheap, replaceable components that achieve the same productivity through simplicity and reusability.
3Device complexity
If manual methods are used to create tissue microarrays, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The template serves as a mediating structure that bridges simple manual operations and precise array placement. By providing pre-defined openings in the template at exact positions corresponding to the desired array pattern, the invention ensures that even simple manual punching operations result in high-precision sample placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The template is prepared in advance with all opening positions pre-determined and pre-positioned according to the desired array pattern. This preliminary action of creating the template removes the need for complex real-time positioning during the actual array creation process, allowing simple manual operations to achieve high precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for preparing a microarray that includes placing at least one template over a first surface of the recipient block, wherein the template defines an array of openings and the recipient block has a plurality of receptacle holes, such that the array of openings are aligned with the plurality of receptacle holes. A needle or punch that contains a sample is inserted through the openings of the template. The sample then is inserted into the receptacle hole in the recipient block. A device is also disclosed that includes a platform defining (i) a first surface, and (ii) a first region configured to retain at least one recipient block; and a raised template defining an array of openings, secured to the first surface of the platform and positioned above the first region configured to retain the recipient block.