Automated histo-cytochemistry apparatus and encapsulation system for processing biological materials

摘要

There is disclosed an automated process for immunocytochemical staining of biological materials using ligand pairing. The apparatus includes an array of sample cells interconnected with reagent supply and drainage lines. Each cell encloses a fluid chamber into which a sample substrate is inserted. The face of the substrate onto which a biological sample is mounted faces into a fluid well. The cell includes a cell head having a chamber to receive therein a solid support matrix releasably containing a ligand to be contacted with the sample. The chamber in the cell head is in flow communication with the fluid well so that when the ligand is released from the matrix it flows into the fluid well thereby contacting the mounted biological sample. The ligand support matrix may be gelatin or wax. The cell body and cell head are differentially heated or cooled so that the mounted sample may be held at the preferrend temperature for the reaction of interest and the cell head may be heated to a temperature sufficient to cause thermal degradation of the matrix to effect release of the ligand. Control electronics is provided for sensing and controlling the temperature of the various cell parts and for programmable control of reagent supply to the cells.