Tissue Processing System Using Warming and Agitation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rapid tissue processing methods using microwave energy are limited by artifacts and high costs, and cannot efficiently process thicker tissue specimens up to 5 mm thick using traditional formaldehyde-based methods.
Innovation Solution
A processing system utilizing an additive-based fixation solution with warming and agitation, capable of processing tissue specimens up to 5 mm thick in under five hours, incorporating a holding solution with formaldehyde and reagents to enhance penetration, a fixation solution with formalin and alcohol, a dehydration solution with isopropanol and PEG, a clearing solution with xylene, and an infiltration solution with paraffin, all used with commercially available instruments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If microwave energy is used for rapid tissue processing, then processing time is reduced, but artifacts are generated and tissue quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the fixation solution by using formaldehyde-based additive fixation solutions instead of traditional microwave methods. It adjusts temperature parameters (warming at controlled temperatures) and chemical composition to achieve rapid processing without generating artifacts, thus resolving the contradiction between speed and quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/thermal microwave heating system with a chemical fixation system using formaldehyde-based solutions. This substitution eliminates the harmful thermal effects of microwave energy while maintaining rapid processing capability through optimized chemical reactions and controlled warming
2Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional formaldehyde-based fixation methods are used, then tissue quality is maintained, but processing time exceeds 24 hours
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using holding solution with formaldehyde to immediately fix tissue at the time of collection, preventing degradation before processing begins. This preliminary fixation step ensures tissue quality is maintained from the start, allowing subsequent rapid processing without compromising results
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes processing parameters by using warmed fixation and dehydration solutions at controlled temperatures (e.g., 40-60°C). This temperature parameter change accelerates the chemical reactions in traditional formaldehyde-based methods, reducing processing time from 24+ hours to under 5 hours while maintaining tissue quality
3Productivity
If microwave-assisted processing is used for thick tissue specimens, then processing speed increases, but artifacts increase and effectiveness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters by using formaldehyde-based additive fixation solutions that are effective for thick specimens (up to 5mm). It optimizes temperature and time parameters for each processing step to ensure complete penetration and fixation of thick tissues without generating artifacts, achieving both high productivity and quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses formaldehyde-based fixation solutions as intermediary agents that facilitate the processing of thick tissue specimens. These solutions act as mediators between the tissue and subsequent processing steps, ensuring uniform penetration and fixation throughout thick specimens without the artifacts caused by direct microwave application
4Extent of automation
If automated microwave-based tissue processors are used, then processing automation is achieved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses disposable, commercially available reagent bottles for fixation, dehydration, clearing, and infiltration solutions. These single-use containers eliminate the need for expensive automated microwave processors while maintaining full automation capability through manual step-by-step processing with standardized reagents
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the expensive microwave processing system from the workflow and replaces it with simple, inexpensive formaldehyde-based chemical solutions. By removing the complex heating apparatus and using only standard laboratory glassware and reagents, the system achieves automation through procedural standardization rather than expensive equipment
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 achieves tissue processing in under a day with reduced artifacts and lower costs, allowing for efficient processing of thicker specimens while maintaining tissue quality.
Implementation Method 1
a holding solution with formaldehyde and reagents to enhance penetration
Implementation Method 2
a fixation solution with formalin and alcohol
Implementation Method 3
a dehydration solution with isopropanol and PEG
Implementation Method 4
a clearing solution with xylene
Implementation Method 5
an infiltration solution with paraffin
Implementation Method 6
at least one component in the processing system is warmed during tissue contact to accelerate processing
Implementation Method 7
at least one component contacts tissue with agitation, including but not limited to centrifugal agitation, rotational agitation
Data Source
AI summary
A method for processing a biological tissue specimen using either manual or automated processing. The tissue specimen is sequentially contacted with components of a reagent system in the presence of increased temperature and/or agitation and in the absence of exogenous microwave radiation to facilitate processing in less than one working day.