Efficient processing systems and methods for biological samples

摘要

Systems and methods of sample and staining processing including compression and dynamic movement of liquids in a fluidically moving substantially contained liquid bridge perhaps between a hydrophobic wand and a hydrophilic sample support element. Embodiments may include low volume reagent and perhaps even low volume buffer wash in sample processing. In addition, antibodies can be conjugated with nanoparticles and can be used in sample processing. Exposing a sample with or without movement to AC, DC, or even a permanent magnet field may improve staining. Staining with nanoparticle reagents could be quantified using a microscope with a magnetometer below the slide viewing area. The detection of nanoparticles attached to the chemistry may facilitate the quantification of cancerous cells stained in the tissue.

主权项

1. A method for efficient sample processing of a non-liquid biological sample with a dynamically moving aqueous-based processing liquid, comprising the steps of:
providing a stationary sample support with a hydrophilic surface; providing the non-liquid biological sample fixed on the stationary sample support; providing a moveable wand positioned above the sample support, the moveable wand having a substantially flat hydrophobic surface; applying the aqueous-based processing liquid to the stationary sample support with the non-liquid biological sample; contacting said substantially flat hydrophobic surface of the moveable wand with the aqueous-based processing liquid; forming a substantially contained liquid bridge with the aqueous-based processing liquid between the substantially flat hydrophobic surface of the wand and the hydrophilic surface of the stationary sample support; steadily oscillating the moveable wand back and forth above the stationary sample support and the non-liquid biological sample, therefore steadily oscillating the substantially contained liquid bridge over the stationary sample support and the non-liquid biological sample;
wherein contact between said liquid bridge and said hydrophilic surface of said stationary sample support comprises an acute angle;wherein contact between said liquid bridge and said hydrophilic surface of said movable wand comprises an obtuse angle; applying an electrical field or magnetic field to said aqueous-based processing liquid; and efficiently processing the non-liquid biological sample with the aqueous-based processing liquid.