Device for Biochemical Labeling of Tissues and Cell Cultures and Its Use

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This invention is a device designed to automate and improve the biochemical marking (labeling) of tissues and cell cultures, commonly used in medical and biological research for techniques such as autoradiography, in-situ hybridization, and immunohistochemistry. The device uses an automated system comprising a tiltable tub, solution reservoirs, programmable pumps/valves, temperature control, and a computerized controller, allowing precise and repeatable exposure of samples to marking and washing solutions. This reduces manual handling and ensures optimized and reproducible processing conditions, while minimizing the quantity of expensive marking reagents required.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Automated staining and processing of tissue sections in research laboratories for histological, immunohistochemical, or molecular analysis.
• Preparation of brain slices or other organ samples with labeled molecules for neuroscience research.
• Biochemical labeling of cell cultures in pharmaceutical or biomedical research for studying protein expression, gene localization, or receptor mapping.
• Clinical pathology labs for automation of sample labeling and washing steps, increasing throughputs and reducing manual labor.
• Industrial or high-throughput screening involving simultaneous processing of multiple biological samples with consistent conditions.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Substantially reduces consumption of expensive reagents like radioactive markers or antibodies—up to 60% cost savings compared to manual processing.
• Ensures high precision and repeatability in sample treatment, minimizing user errors and experimental variability.
• Enables automation and programmable control of complex staining and marking protocols, saving significant hands-on time.
• Allows for optimal and consistent temperature regulation during sensitive biochemical steps, improving sample quality and data reliability.
• Reduces the risk of sample damage due to gentle liquid handling mechanisms, such as controlled inflow and lifting mechanisms for sample carriers.
• Provides process documentation and reproducibility for regulatory compliance and publication standards.

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a device for biochemically marking tissues and cell cultures and the use thereof. The device as per the invention comprises a tub (1) for receiving tissue segments or cell cultures, which tub is located on means for tilting the tub (3) and is connected via supply lines (7) to storage containers (8) from which solutions for biochemically marking the tissues and cell cultures can be drawn. The solutions are fed into the tub (1) in a determined sequence by means of a control unit (10) in order to treat the tissues or cell cultures. After treatment with a solution, the tub (1) is tilted and emptied. The next solution is then fed into the tub (1).