UV Pretreatment for Chromosome Differential Staining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current chromosomal testing methods are time-consuming due to the 'aging' process, which requires days to achieve differential staining by making only certain nucleotides sparingly soluble in an enzyme, thereby prolonging the overall processing time.
Innovation Solution
A staining pretreatment method involving ultraviolet radiation within the wavelength range of 200 nm to 280 nm is applied to selectively increase the solubility of specific nucleotides, reducing the aging time by illuminating the sample with a predetermined energy density for a specific period, using a system that includes an ultraviolet lamp and a motion system to position the sample for optimal exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the aging process is used to make certain nucleotides sparingly soluble in enzyme for differential staining, then differential staining is achieved, but the processing time is substantially prolonged to days
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of nucleotides by exposing them to ultraviolet radiation, which modifies their solubility characteristics in enzyme solutions. This parameter change allows differential staining to be achieved without the prolonged aging process, reducing processing time from days to a much shorter duration while maintaining staining quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the time-dependent chemical aging process with a physics-based ultraviolet radiation treatment. By substituting the mechanical/time-based aging mechanism with electromagnetic radiation, the process achieves the same differential solubility effect much more rapidly, eliminating the time-consuming nature of traditional aging
2Productivity
If ultraviolet radiation is applied to increase nucleotide solubility selectively, then aging time is reduced, but additional equipment and process steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The ultraviolet radiation step can be integrated into existing staining workflow, and the same UV treatment apparatus can potentially serve multiple purposes in different contexts. The motion system that positions substrates can be part of an automated staining platform that performs multiple operations, reducing the relative impact of added complexity
Solution Approach 2:
By precisely controlling UV radiation parameters (wavelength 200-280 nm, energy density, exposure time), the process achieves reliable differential staining without requiring complex equipment. The motion system provides precise positioning but uses relatively simple mechanical components, balancing productivity improvement with acceptable device 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
This approach significantly reduces the aging time, allowing for faster chromosome analysis by achieving differential staining in a shorter period, thereby enhancing the efficiency of chromosomal testing.
Implementation Method 1
illuminating the sample containing the chromosome with ultraviolet optical radiation within the wavelength range 200 nm to 280 nm having a predetermined energy density for a predetermined period of time
Data Source
AI summary
Staining nucleotides within chromosomes is an important technique used in cytogenetics to produce a visible karyotype by staining condensed chromosomes. Such techniques are useful, for example, in identifying genetic diseases through the photographic representation of the entire chromosome complement. Prior to the steps of selective dissolving and staining of nucleotides within the chromosomes an aging step is performed to increase the selective solubility between different nucleotides. Within the prior art this aging step is a time consuming process taking several days. Accordingly, it would be beneficial to provide a staining pretreatment method which can be performed in a short period of time.