Automated Tissue Section Capture for 3D Imaging and Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for automated tissue sectioning and storage are inefficient, costly, and prone to human error, particularly for soft samples, and lack compatibility with imaging and molecular annotation of thick tissues and whole organs, hindering the development of effective therapeutics.
Innovation Solution
An automated system using a vibrating blade microtome with a capstan inlet manifold to attract tissue sections onto a transfer material, employing surface tension for secure transport and inertial forces for detachment, combined with imaging modalities like STPT for 3D molecular mapping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual collection and handling of tissue sections is performed by experienced technicians, then section quality and proper handling are maintained, but labor costs increase and throughput decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service automation where the tissue sectioning and collection process operates autonomously without requiring experienced technicians. The vibrating blade microtome automatically sections tissue and the capstan inlet manifold with transfer material automatically collects and transports sections through the buffer solution to storage, eliminating manual intervention while maintaining section quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical handling with an automated mechanical system. The capstan inlet manifold uses fluid drag forces to attract and transport tissue sections, and the transfer material mechanically conveys sections through the buffer solution, substituting human hands and operations with controlled mechanical and fluid-based mechanisms
2Productivity
If automated microtome systems are used, then labor costs decrease, but compatibility with soft samples and imaging integration is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves universality by being compatible with multiple sample types including soft tissues that require vibrating blade microtomes, while also integrating with imaging modalities like STPT. The capstan inlet manifold design works with various embedding media and tissue consistency levels, and the transfer material can handle different section thicknesses, making the system adaptable to diverse histology applications
Solution Approach 2:
The transfer material acts as an intermediary between the vibrating blade microtome and the storage system. It gently captures tissue sections from the buffer solution, transports them through the imaging field of view, and deposits them on storage substrates, serving as a versatile mediator that works with soft samples and enables imaging integration
3Manufacturing precision
If traditional section collection methods are used, then simple equipment is required, but section orientation control and conformational consistency are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses hydraulics through the buffer solution and capstan inlet manifold to control section orientation. The fluid drag forces attract sections to the transfer material in a controlled manner, and the buoyant forces in the buffer solution help maintain section flatness and orientation during transport, achieving precise orientation control through fluid mechanics rather than complex mechanical manipulators
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer solution creates an equipotential environment where tissue sections experience uniform buoyant forces and minimal gravitational distortion. This allows sections to float and conform naturally to the transfer material surface, maintaining consistent conformation throughout the collection process without requiring complex positioning mechanisms
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
Enables consistent, automated capture and storage of tissue sections while maintaining orientation, facilitating 3D molecular mapping and integration with various imaging technologies, reducing human error and improving throughput.
Implementation Method 1
the mechanism for capturing tissue sections applies a force to move the tissue sections or slices onto a transfer material, plate, or slide
Implementation Method 2
Surface tension can then be used to keep the slices robustly adhered to the surface during transport without loss of conformation
Implementation Method 3
The slices are detached from the support substrate using a fluid inertial force to overcome the adhesive surface tension force for the controllable transfer into storage or other handling systems
Data Source
Figure 1A~1E
Figure 1F
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
The present invention relates to systems and methods for transport and processing of sectioned biological samples. Preferred embodiments provide for use of a plurality of imaging and processing modalities to characterize sectioned tissue samples. Automated operation of the system provides for multimodal imaging and multistage processing to provide three-dimensional (3D) datasets for each sample.