Movable UV-C Sterilizer for Automated Live-Cell Microscopes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated living cell microscopes face challenges in maintaining a sterile environment due to the difficulty in accessing and sterilizing internal components, as conventional methods like UV-C radiation and autoclaving are tedious and time-consuming, and existing solutions like the MagNa STARLet and patent specification WO 98/20108 require dismantling or are space-intensive.
Innovation Solution
An automated living cell microscope with a UV-C sterilization unit that can be driven through the sample chamber, featuring an interchangeable design with a sample holding frame, equipped with low-pressure gas discharge tubes and an XY table for automated movement and quick change capabilities, ensuring complete sterilization within a compact installation space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional sterilization methods (wiping with solvents or autoclaving) are used on automated microscopes, then sterilization can be achieved, but the process is tedious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The UV-C sterilization unit performs sterilization in advance before samples are introduced into the sample chamber. The control unit automatically activates the UV-C unit to sterilize the sample chamber and internal components before sample processing begins, eliminating the need for manual sterilization procedures and ensuring the environment is ready for automated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical sterilization methods (wiping with solvents or autoclaving) with an automated UV-C radiation system. The UV-C unit emits ultraviolet radiation that automatically sterilizes the sample chamber and internal components without requiring physical access or manual intervention, thus reducing both time and operational complexity.
2Reliability
If the entire microscope is exposed to UV-C radiation for sterilization, then complete sterilization is achieved, but access to internal installation spaces is required which is tedious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The UV-C sterilization unit is designed with dual functionality: it serves as both a sterilization device and a sample holder. The same unit that holds samples during processing is used to deliver UV-C radiation for sterilization, eliminating the need for separate sterilization access and simplifying the overall system operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-sterilization through the UV-C unit that is integrated into the automated microscope structure. The control unit automatically activates the UV-C sterilization function without requiring external intervention or dismantling, allowing the system to maintain its own sterile environment autonomously.
3Reliability
If permanently installed UV-C radiating tubes are used (as in MagNa STARLet), then sterile environment is maintained, but the facility requires excessive space
Solution Approach 1:
The UV-C sterilization unit is designed with dual functionality: it serves as both a sterilization device and a sample holder. The same unit that holds samples during processing is used to deliver UV-C radiation for sterilization, eliminating the need for separate sterilization access and simplifying the overall system operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The UV-C sterilization unit is designed to be movable rather than permanently fixed, allowing it to be positioned within the sample chamber and then retracted. This dynamic design allows the sterilization function to be performed effectively while minimizing the permanent installation space required, as the UV-C unit only needs space to move through and illuminate the chamber, not to be permanently mounted throughout.
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 efficient and automated sterilization of the microscope's internal components, ensuring stable environmental conditions for live cell microscopy without the need for extensive dismantling or excessive space, allowing for continuous operation in a sterile environment.
Implementation Method 1
a sterilization unit (6) emitting ultraviolet light with a wavelength of 280 nm to 100 nm (UV-C radiation)
Implementation Method 2
The sterilization unit is expediently equipped with low-pressure gas discharge tubes, the required ignition and operating voltage being generated via an inverter circuit
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for sterilizing a sample chamber in an automated live-cell microscope, comprising a sample holding frame (5) arranged in the housing (1) of the microscope, a UV-C sterilization unit (6) emitting ultraviolet light with a wavelength of 280 nm to 100 nm (UV-C radiation), and fastening, operating, and control elements for fixing and initiating movement of the sample holding frame (5). According to the invention, the UV-C sterilization unit (6) is arranged to move through the sample chamber (3) in the live-cell microscope for the purpose of sterilization.