IBM develops silicon microprobe for tissue diagnostics
The 8mm-wide diamond-shaped probe consists of a silicon microfluidic head with two microchannels at each tip. This injects liquid on the surface and continuously aspirates it to prevent spreading and accumulation on the surface, which can lead to overexposure.
Specifically for tissue section analysis, the probe can deliver an antibody very locally in a selected area of a tissue section with pinpoint accuracy. Since analysis can be done on spots and lines instead of on the entire tissue section, the tissue is better preserved for additional tests, if required. In addition, only a few picoliters of liquid containing antibodies are needed for each analysis spot.
"We have developed a proof-of-concept technology, which I hope puts pathology on a modern roadmap—benefiting from the latest developments in silicon-based microfluidics," said Govind Kaigala, a scientist at IBM Research in Zurich. "This new approach will enable pathologists to stain tissue samples with micrometer precision and easily perform multiple tissue stains on limited samples."
The microfluidic probe fits to standard workflows in conventional pathology and is compatible with current biochemical staining systems and is resistant to a broad range of chemicals. The small size of the probe also enables easy viewing of the sample from above and below by an inverted microscope commonly used in research and clinical laboratories.
www.zurich.ibm.com
If you enjoyed this article, you will like the following ones: don't miss them by subscribing to :
