Transparent Permeable Capillary for Biological Sample Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for processing biological samples, such as biopsies, are time-consuming, laborious, and often result in sample loss due to sectioning and the need for paraffin embedding, which also poses environmental hazards.
Innovation Solution
A sample holder with a tubular member made of transparent and permeable material that allows for direct visualization and exposure to reagents without sectioning, reducing the need for paraffin embedding and minimizing sample loss, featuring a cylindrical cavity with controlled permeability for efficient processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional methods (embedding in paraffin, cutting slices) are used, then sample preparation is thorough and reliable, but the process is time-consuming and laborious
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the time-consuming steps of paraffin embedding and microtoming from the sample preparation process. By using a straw-like capillary to hold the tissue sample directly, the method removes unnecessary intermediate steps while maintaining diagnostic quality, thus resolving the contradiction between thorough preparation and processing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The tissue sample is fixed and prepared in advance within the capillary structure before examination. This preliminary preparation within the constrained geometry of the capillary eliminates the need for subsequent embedding and sectioning steps, reducing overall processing time while ensuring sample stability and diagnostic reliability.
2Measurement precision
If sectioning is performed to prepare samples, then detailed examination is possible, but sample loss occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention places the tissue sample inside a straw-like capillary, creating a nested structure where the sample is contained within the capillary. This allows detailed examination through the transparent wall of the capillary without removing or sectioning the sample, thus preventing sample loss while maintaining examination precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent wall of the capillary acts as a thin film barrier that allows optical penetration for detailed examination. This enables high-resolution imaging and analysis of the tissue sample without physical contact or sectioning, thereby preventing sample loss while achieving measurement precision.
3Stability of the object's composition
If paraffin embedding is used for sample preparation, then sample stability is improved, but environmental hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention eliminates the use of paraffin embedding, converting the harmful chemical process into a benign mechanical containment approach. By using a simple capillary structure to hold the tissue sample, the method removes environmental hazards associated with paraffin while maintaining sample stability through physical confinement and fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The capillary structure serves as a simple, disposable container that replaces complex paraffin embedding procedures. This single-use capillary approach eliminates the need for hazardous chemicals while providing sufficient sample stability for diagnostic purposes, reducing environmental impact without compromising sample integrity.
4Measurement precision
If complex preparation procedures are used, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The straw-like capillary serves multiple functions: it holds the tissue sample, provides structural support, allows optical transparency for imaging, and enables fixation reagent penetration. This multi-functional simple structure replaces multiple complex preparation devices and procedures, maintaining diagnostic accuracy while reducing overall system complexity.
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 simple, fast, and environmentally friendly processing of biological samples with reduced material loss and environmental impact, allowing for efficient diagnostic methods and molecular diagnostics without the need for microtoming or paraffin embedding.
Implementation Method 1
The tubular member has a wall that is at least locally transparent and that is further at least locally permeable for reagents
Implementation Method 2
The tubular member has a wall that is at least locally transparent and that is further at least locally permeable for reagents. The tubular member consists at least partially of a transparent material
Data Source
AI summary
The application relates to a sample holder (110) and a system (100). The application also relates to a method for processing a biological sample (S) and use of the sample holder or of the system in an analytical method or a diagnostic method. The sample holder (110) comprises a tubular member (111) with a wall that is at least locally transparent and at least locally permeable for reagents, wherein the tubular member consists at least partially of a transparent material.