Tissue Staining Device with Movable Plates and Spacers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for tissue staining are inefficient in achieving rapid and uniform staining, often requiring extensive diffusion times and professional training, and lack integration with mobile communication for remote analysis.
Innovation Solution
A QMAX device comprising movable plates with spacers to regulate sample and staining liquid thickness, allowing for rapid diffusion and staining, and integration with mobile communication devices for imaging and remote analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If traditional staining methods are used, then staining can be performed, but diffusion time is excessive and staining uniformity is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameter of sample thickness by compressing the tissue sample between two plates with spacers to achieve a uniform thin layer (average distance ≤250 μm). This parameter change dramatically reduces diffusion time while ensuring uniform staining throughout the sample.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dynamic compression mechanism where two plates move from an open configuration to a closed configuration, applying controlled pressure to compress the sample and staining liquid into a thin uniform layer, thereby optimizing diffusion conditions.
2Reliability
If professional training is required for staining, then staining can be performed, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables self-service operation through its automated compression mechanism and pre-configured spacers that automatically achieve the optimal thin sample layer, eliminating the need for operator skill in controlling compression force or layer thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The staining device is designed to be universally applicable to various tissue samples with a single standardized compression protocol, making the operation simple and reliable regardless of the specific sample type or operator expertise.
3Productivity
If remote analysis is not integrated, then staining can be performed, but productivity deteriorates due to lack of rapid remote interpretation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the staining device with mobile communication device imaging and analysis capabilities, combining laboratory-based staining with portable diagnostic functions to enable rapid remote interpretation and increase overall productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile communication device serves as an intermediary between the staining device and remote analysts, capturing images of the stained sample and transmitting them for remote interpretation, thereby enabling rapid productivity without requiring constant on-site expertise.
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
Facilitates rapid and uniform tissue staining with reduced diffusion times and enables on-site analysis and remote interpretation of staining results.
Implementation Method 1
the thickness of the at least part of staining liquid layer is regulated by the plates, the sample, and the spacers
Implementation Method 2
rapid diffusion and staining
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3
AI summary
Devices and systems are provided herein relating to a novel and rapid assay for tissue staining. Methods for using the devices and systems for analyzing tissue samples are also disclosed.