Integrated Tissue Processing and Staining for Histology
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current histological tissue processing methods require separate steps for sectioning and staining, leading to prolonged processing times and increased costs, as stains struggle to penetrate thick tissue samples effectively, necessitating additional post-sectioning staining.
Innovation Solution
Integrating tissue processing and staining by using chemical and mechanical agents to facilitate stain penetration into unsectioned tissue samples, allowing for uniform staining before sectioning, utilizing automated processors and specific stain compositions like hematoxylin and eosin, and employing penetrant enhancers such as dimethylsulfoxide and surfactants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If tissue samples are stained after sectioning, then staining uniformity is improved, but processing time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by staining the tissue sample during the processing stage, before sectioning. The stain is introduced in the processing buffer and penetrates the tissue while it is still in a semi-processed state, allowing color development to occur prior to sectioning. This eliminates the need for post-sectioning staining steps, significantly reducing processing time while maintaining staining quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by modifying the physical state of the tissue during processing (from fresh to fixed to semi-dehydrated) to optimize stain penetration. The tissue's increased permeability during processing allows the stain to penetrate effectively without requiring prolonged staining times after sectioning.
2Loss of time
If tissue samples are stained before sectioning, then processing time is reduced, but stain penetration into thick tissue is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by exploiting the altered physical and chemical properties of tissue during the processing stage. The tissue becomes more permeable to stains due to fixation and partial dehydration, allowing effective stain penetration even in thick sections (up to 5mm) before sectioning occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing the stain through the processing buffer system rather than direct application. The processing buffer acts as a medium that facilitates uniform stain distribution and penetration throughout the tissue sample during the processing stages.
3Reliability
If separate instruments are used for processing and staining, then each step can be optimized, but equipment cost and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by combining the staining function with the existing tissue processing instrument. The stain is introduced through the processing buffer system, allowing a single instrument to perform both processing and staining functions. This eliminates the need for separate automated stainers, reducing equipment cost and operational complexity while maintaining processing quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent demonstrates universality by enabling the tissue processing instrument to perform multiple functions - both processing and staining. The processing buffer is modified to include stain components, allowing the same equipment to handle multiple steps in the histological workflow, thereby reducing the number of specialized instruments needed.
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
This approach reduces overall processing time, eliminates the need for post-sectioning staining, and achieves uniform staining of thick tissue samples, making them ready for microscopic analysis without additional staining, thereby lowering costs and improving efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
employing penetrant enhancers such as dimethylsulfoxide and surfactants
Implementation Method 2
utilizing automated processors and specific stain compositions like hematoxylin and eosin
Data Source
AI summary
Methods that combine processing and staining of tissue samples such that the processed tissue is stained and ready for histological evaluation prior to embedding and sectioning, and separate staining of the sectioned tissue is not required. The method may be used with chemical and/or mechanical/thermal tissue penetrant enhancers in an automated tissue processing system.