Closed Tissue Storage Kit with Segmented Reagent Compartments

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for storing biological samples for molecular and histopathology diagnostics often result in molecular changes due to environmental stress, as they lack controlled conditions for maintaining sample integrity, especially when immediate analysis is impractical.

Innovation Solution

A closed kit system comprising a container with a removable closure, a sample holder, and an injection device with a port, allowing for the introduction of reagents to maintain sample stability, including a vent to manage air pressure and ensure fluid contact with the sample.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of stationary object

If a biological sample is stored in a single fixative reagent container, then the sample can be preserved for later analysis, but the sample may undergo molecular changes and degradation due to environmental stress during storage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage durationVSAvoidsample integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The container is divided into multiple separate compartments, each containing different reagents (e.g., fixative, stabilizer, buffer). This segmentation allows the sample to be treated with multiple specialized reagents simultaneously, each serving a specific function to maintain sample integrity during storage, thereby preventing molecular changes while extending storage duration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a composite reagent system within the container, combining multiple reagents (fixative agents, stabilizers, buffers) in separate compartments. This composite approach provides comprehensive protection against various types of degradation, ensuring both structural preservation and molecular stability during extended storage periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Device complexity

If the container uses a single integral cavity for reagent storage, then the structure is simple, but it cannot provide controlled conditions for maintaining sample structural and molecular integrity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer structureVSAvoidsample structural and molecular integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The single integral cavity is segmented into multiple separate compartments within the same container. Each compartment can be optimized for specific reagent storage conditions (pH, temperature, concentration), allowing controlled environments that maintain both structural and molecular integrity of the sample while remaining within a single container structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If the container is designed for immediate analysis, then no storage conditions are needed, but immediate analysis is often impossible or impractical

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanalysis speedVSAvoidtime delay before analysis

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The container is pre-configured with multiple reagents in separate compartments that are activated upon sample introduction. This preliminary preparation allows the sample to be immediately stabilized and preserved upon collection, eliminating the need for immediate analysis while preventing degradation during the necessary time delay for transport and processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 system effectively maintains the structural and molecular integrity of biological samples by allowing controlled introduction of reagents, reducing degradation and enabling reliable diagnostic testing.

Implementation Method 1

an injection device is engageable with the port to allow a fluid to pass from within the injection device into the container interior

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid injection:

Implementation Method 2

a vent adapted to discharge a volume of air from the container interior

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure equalization:

Data Source

PatentUS10639636B2Closed kit for tissue containment and stabilization for molecular and histopathology diagnostics

Publication Date: 2020.05.05 BECTON DICKINSON & CO

AI summary

A container for storing a biological sample is disclosed. The container includes a housing having a closed end, an open end, and a sidewall extending therebetween defining a container interior. The container has a removable closure for enclosing the open end of the housing and a sample holder for housing a biological sample detachably connected to the closure and insertable within the container interior. A port is disposed within the closure adjacent the sample holder to allow fluid to pass therethrough into the container interior. An injection device for engaging the port may also be provided. A first fluid may be initially provided within the container interior and a second fluid may be subsequently injected by the injection device through the port into the container interior.