TTFields Cell Culture Dish for Live Microscopy Observation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for applying Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) in vitro are not compatible with live-cell microscopy experiments due to their construction and circuitry, preventing simultaneous observation and treatment of cells.
Innovation Solution
A dish-like apparatus with ceramic sidewalls and transparent bottom panel allows for the application of TTFields while enabling time-lapse microscopy by using an inverted microscope, facilitating observation and treatment of cells concurrently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional TTField applying systems are used, then TTFields can be applied to cell cultures, but the systems are not compatible with live-cell microscopy experiments due to their construction and circuitry
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is divided into distinct functional components: a transparent bottom panel for microscopy compatibility, ceramic sidewalls for electrical insulation and TTField generation, and electrode structures integrated into the sidewalls. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system compatibility with microscopy systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical and material parameters of the TTField applying system by using transparent materials for the bottom panel and integrating electrodes into ceramic sidewalls with high dielectric constants. These parameter changes enable simultaneous TTField application and optical observation without interference from traditional circuitry.
2Strength
If opaque containers are used for TTField application, then electrical insulation is maintained, but observation of cells under microscope is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The container structure employs different material properties in different regions: the bottom panel is made transparent to allow light transmission and microscopy observation, while the sidewalls are made of ceramic materials with high dielectric constants to provide electrical insulation and support electrode functions. This local differentiation of material properties resolves the contradiction between insulation and observation requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus uses composite construction combining transparent materials (for the bottom panel) with ceramic materials (for the sidewalls). This composite approach allows the system to simultaneously achieve optical transparency where needed and electrical insulation where required, eliminating the need to choose between one property or the other.
3Power
If conventional electrode structures are used, then TTFields can be generated, but the structures interfere with optical paths and prevent time-lapse microscopy
Solution Approach 1:
The electrodes are nested within or integrated into the ceramic sidewalls structure. This nesting approach allows the electrode structures to be embedded in a way that does not protrude into the optical path, enabling simultaneous electric field generation and uninterrupted optical observation for time-lapse microscopy.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode structures are arranged in the vertical dimension within the sidewalls rather than extending horizontally into the optical path. This dimensional repositioning allows electric field generation to occur without blocking the horizontal optical path required for microscopy observation.
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 live-cell microscopy during TTField application, allowing for various assays such as monitoring cellular responses, determining effective frequencies, and measuring cell sensitivity, migration, and structural effects.
Implementation Method 1
The transducer arrays capacitively couple the electric field into the patient's body
Implementation Method 2
transducer arrays made from a plurality of ceramic disks with a high dielectric constant
Implementation Method 3
To allow light to flow through the sample for the purpose of microscopy experiments or other imaging techniques, the dish-like apparatus has a bottom panel 20 with a transparent region
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
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AI summary
An apparatus includes a bottom panel with a transparent region and ceramic sidewalls affixed to the bottom panel to form a container. Electrodes are disposed on the outer surface of the sidewalls at positions selected so that when a sample is positioned in the container, applying a voltage between the electrodes induces an electric field through the sample. Electrical conductors provide contact with the electrodes. All the components are sized and shaped to facilitate positioning of the container on the stage of an inverted microscope so that when the sample is positioned in the container, light emanating from a light source is free to travel along an optical path that passes through the sample, through the transparent region, and into the objective of the inverted microscope. The electrodes and conductors are positioned with respect to the transparent region so as not to interfere with the optical path.