Through-Well Sample Lysis Plate for Parallel Biological Preparation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for biological sample lysis are not suitable for high-throughput processing and parallel sample preparation, particularly mechanical lysis solutions that involve grinding against a rough wall or high-shear mixing.
Innovation Solution
An automated system with a support plate containing through-wells, mobile members, and stimulation means for mechanical and thermal lysis, enabling parallel processing of multiple samples using translational and rotational movements and controlled mechanical and thermal stimulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional mechanical lysis methods (grinding against rough wall or high-shear mixing) are used, then lysis can be achieved, but the system cannot process multiple samples in parallel at high rate
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the lysis process into multiple independent through-wells in a support plate, allowing parallel processing of multiple samples simultaneously. Each well can be independently accessed and processed, enabling high-throughput operation while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
Mobile members are inserted through the top of through-wells to perform lysis operations, with the support plate containing multiple such wells. This nested arrangement allows multiple samples to be processed in parallel within a single integrated device structure
2Extent of automation
If automated mobile members are inserted through through-wells to perform lysis, then parallel processing is enabled, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile members serve multiple functions: they seal the through-wells during transport, provide a platform for applying mechanical lysis force, and enable automated sample handling. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity despite high automation
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to be fully automated with mobile members that can be autonomously positioned and actuated to perform lysis operations without human intervention, while the modular through-well structure allows for easy maintenance and sample exchange
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
Facilitates high-rate, parallel lysis of biological samples with reduced human intervention and contamination risk, utilizing conventional hardware for automated, efficient sample preparation.
Implementation Method 1
a filter-forming porous wall against which said biological sample that is to undergo lysis may be placed
Implementation Method 2
Mechanical lysis which consists in grinding the biological species to release the biological material
Implementation Method 3
Thermal shock (freeze-thaw) lysis which consists in putting the biological species through a temperature cycle
Data Source
AI summary
An automated system for preparing a biological sample containing biological species, and including a support plate wherein one or more through-wells are made, each through-well having two opposite accesses, a first access and a second access, the first access being separated from the second access by a filter-forming porous wall against which the biological sample that is to undergo lysis may be placed, and, for each well: a first mobile member, that can be actuated to move translationally along the axis of the well so as to become inserted across the first access thereof, a second mobile member, that can be actuated to move translationally along the axis of the well so as to become inserted across the second access thereof, stimulation means of mechanical and/or thermal type for stimulating each first mobile member and/or each second mobile member and/or the support plate.