Tissue Dissociation Cartridge for Automated Nuclei Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for producing single cells or nuclei from solid tissues are laborious, require skilled technicians, and lack process integration, leading to variability in quality and scalability issues, with potential changes in cellular physiology during processing.

Innovation Solution

A Sample Processing System that integrates enzymatic and mechanical disruption mechanisms with fluidic processes, using disposable cartridges and automated control systems to standardize the production of single cells or nuclei from various tissues, enabling seamless integration with downstream bioanalytical systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual methods are used to produce single cells from solid tissues, then flexibility in handling different tissue types is maintained, but labor intensity increases and process variability worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility in handling different tissue typesVSAvoidlabor intensity and process variability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The automated system incorporates multiple processing modes (mechanical disruption, enzymatic dissociation, filtration) within a single integrated platform that can handle various tissue types including solid tissues, biopsies, and cell cultures, eliminating the need for separate manual protocols while maintaining adaptability through programmable control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-regulation through automated control systems that monitor and adjust processing parameters, reagent delivery, and timing sequences without human intervention, thereby reducing labor intensity and minimizing operator-induced variability while maintaining consistent quality across different tissue types

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Device complexity

If traditional processing methods are used, then equipment complexity is minimized, but process integration and scalability are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveequipment simplicityVSAvoidprocess integration and scalability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into discrete functional modules including disruption chambers, enzymatic treatment zones, filtration systems, and automated reagent delivery units, each performing a specific function that can be independently optimized and combined to handle diverse tissue processing requirements while maintaining overall system integration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The design incorporates nested processing chambers where smaller functional units are contained within larger systems, allowing multiple processing steps to occur in a compact integrated architecture that enhances scalability without proportionally increasing overall equipment footprint or complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Reliability

If extended processing time is used to maintain cellular integrity, then cell quality is improved, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecellular integrityVSAvoidprocessing throughput

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary optimization by pre-programming processing sequences, pre-warming reagents, and pre-positioning components before sample insertion, allowing extended processing steps to occur efficiently without delaying overall throughput, thereby maintaining cellular integrity while preserving productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The automated system enables continuous processing by immediately initiating the next sample preparation after completion of the current cycle, with overlapping operations in parallel channels, ensuring that extended processing times for maintaining cell quality do not create idle time or bottlenecks that would reduce overall productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 system automates and standardizes the single-cell preparation process, reducing user variability, maintaining cellular integrity, and facilitating high-throughput production of high-quality single-cell suspensions for bioanalysis and sequencing applications.

Implementation Method 1

enzymatic disruption mechanisms

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEnzymatic digestion: Enzyme

Implementation Method 2

mechanical disruption mechanisms

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical disruption: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 3

fluidic processes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluidic transport: Fluid Spray

Data Source

PatentUS20250377269A1Method for processing tissue samples

Publication Date: 2025.12.11 S2 GENOMICS INC

AI summary

This disclosure provides methods for producing a sample of subcellular organelles, particularly nuclei, from a tissue. In some embodiments, this disclosure provides a method of processing a tissue sample involves performing enzymatic/chemical disruption of tissue in a chamber to produce disrupted tissue comprising released cells and/or nuclei and debris; separating the released cells and/or nuclei from the debris therein; and moving the released cells and/or nuclei. In some instances, the method comprises mechanical disruption of the tissue sample.