Vacuum Substrate for Plant Embryo Liquid Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
The somatic embryogenesis process is labor-intensive and inefficient, particularly in removing excess liquid from porous substrates where plant embryos are disposed, which can harm the embryos and affect germination quality.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a porous substrate with a vacuum system, where an intake port with a smaller cross-sectional area than the substrate is used to apply vacuum to the substrate's bottom surface, allowing for the removal of liquid without disturbing the embryos, by moving the intake port and substrate relative to each other.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual pipetting and forceps are used to transfer and select embryos, then embryo handling precision is maintained, but labor time and processing cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations (pipetting and forceps manipulation) with an automated vacuum system that uses pressure differential to transfer embryos. The vacuum source creates negative pressure to draw embryos from the liquid medium onto the filter paper substrate, eliminating the need for manual pipetting and forceps handling while maintaining transfer precision and significantly reducing labor time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs pneumatic principles by using a vacuum source to create a pressure differential that drives embryo transfer. The vacuum system applies negative pressure to the liquid medium containing embryos, causing them to be drawn through the filter paper substrate and onto the collection surface, replacing manual mechanical transfer methods with a fluid-pressure-based automated system.
2Stability of the object's composition
If large volumes of liquid media are used for dilution and singulation, then embryo distribution is improved, but liquid removal becomes more difficult and harmful to embryos
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a filter paper substrate with porous structure to achieve both embryo distribution and liquid removal. The porous filter paper allows liquid media to be rapidly absorbed and removed while retaining the embryos on its surface. This porous material enables the system to handle diluted embryo suspensions effectively while automatically removing excess liquid, preventing the harmful effects of liquid retention on embryo development and germination.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual screening and selection of embryos is performed, then embryo quality is ensured, but production throughput is severely limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of visual screening and selection with an automated vacuum-based transfer system. The vacuum system can process large numbers of embryos simultaneously by drawing them from the liquid medium onto the filter paper substrate, maintaining quality through controlled transfer conditions while dramatically increasing production throughput from individual manual handling to batch processing.
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 method effectively and efficiently removes liquid from the substrate, improving embryo development and germination rates by avoiding liquid retention issues, reducing processing time, and maintaining embryo integrity.
Implementation Method 1
applying a vacuum to the portion of the bottom surface of the porous substrate in proximity to the intake port
Implementation Method 2
removing liquid from a porous substrate on which plant embryos are disposed
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides methods of removing liquid from a porous substrate on which plant embryos are disposed.