Automated Tissue Processing Apparatus for Demineralized Bone Matrix
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for processing tissue samples, such as demineralized bone matrix, are laborious, prone to contamination, and result in inconsistent product quality due to manual handling, requiring large areas and cumbersome isolators to prevent cross-contamination, which limits the scalability of production.
Innovation Solution
A tissue treatment apparatus and method that automates the processing of tissue samples within a sealed reaction chamber, controlled by a programmed controller, which manages reagent supply, gas evacuation, thermal units, and sonication to ensure precise and consistent treatment procedures, including demineralization of bone material.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual processing methods are used to treat tissue samples, then flexibility in handling individual samples is maintained, but processing time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated tissue processing system performs all processing operations autonomously based on programmed protocols. The system automatically loads samples, applies reagents, controls incubation conditions, and handles waste disposal without requiring manual intervention during the processing cycle, thereby eliminating the trade-off between operational flexibility and processing speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with automated control systems. A microprocessor-based controller automatically manages reagent dispensing, temperature control, pressure regulation, and sample handling, substituting the mechanical actions of manual processing with precise automated mechanisms that operate continuously without fatigue or variation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual processing is used, then adaptability to different tissue types is maintained, but processing consistency and quality control deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates programmable control that allows dynamic adjustment of processing parameters for different tissue types. The microprocessor can modify reagent volumes, treatment times, temperature profiles, and pressure levels based on the specific tissue being processed, enabling both adaptability to different samples and consistent execution of optimized protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated system incorporates sensors and feedback mechanisms that monitor processing conditions in real-time. Temperature probes, pressure transducers, and flow sensors provide continuous feedback to the control system, which automatically adjusts parameters to maintain optimal conditions, ensuring consistent processing quality across all samples.
3Device complexity
If manual processing without isolators is used, then device complexity is reduced, but contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements localized sterile barriers around each sample processing chamber. Individual isolators or barriers are positioned only at the critical interfaces where contamination would occur, providing targeted protection without requiring isolation for the entire processing system. This localized approach maintains simplicity while preventing cross-contamination between samples.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces sterile barriers and isolators as intermediary elements between the sample processing environment and the external world. These intermediaries include sterile drapes, sealed chambers, and filtered air barriers that prevent contamination without requiring complete system complexity, acting as protective layers that can be easily removed or replaced.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If manual processing with isolators is used, then contamination prevention is improved, but required workspace area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system integrates multiple functions into compact processing chambers. The isolators and sterile barriers are incorporated directly into the chamber structure itself, combining the containment function with the processing space. This integration eliminates the need for separate isolator structures and reduces the overall workspace area required while maintaining effective contamination prevention.
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 automated system enhances the efficiency and quality of tissue processing, reducing contamination risks, improving scalability, and ensuring consistent product quality by automating reagent application, gas management, and thermal control, thereby facilitating faster and more reliable production of demineralized bone matrix.
Implementation Method 1
A gas evacuation assembly communicated to the reaction chamber and configured to pump gas from the reaction chamber in response to the controller
Implementation Method 2
a thermal unit for heating or cooling reagents or gases applied to the tissue sample
Implementation Method 3
a thermal unit for heating or cooling reagents or gases applied to the tissue sample
Implementation Method 4
a sonication unit controlled by the controller to effect sonication of contents of the reaction chamber
Implementation Method 5
a reagent supply system connected to the enclosure to supply one or more reagents into the reaction cavity
Data Source
AI summary
A tissue treatment apparatus and method for treating biologic tissue has a controller, an enclosure, a reagent supply system, a draining configuration, and a gas relief valve is controlled by the controller. Optionally provided is a gas evacuation assembly, a gas supply unit, a thermal unit for heating or cooling reagents or gases, a sonication unit, any or each operated by the controller. The method provides for programming controller to effect a treatment procedure. In an embodiment of the present application the tissue sample is bone material and the treatment procedure effects demineralization of the bone material.