Semi-automated Tissue Microarrays maker

Tissue Microarrays (TMA) is a kind of high-throughput, cost-effective and rapid method for testing or analyzing tissue specimens like clinical biopsies and tumor samples. However, the commercial TMA instruments have some drawbacks such as expensive, non-portable, complicated operation, limited accur...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in2010 3rd International Conference on Biomedical Engineering and Informatics Vol. 4; pp. 1577 - 1581
Main Authors Huixing Zhou, Wenyu Liang, Yiqiang Li, Lianguo Xing, Kok Kiong Tan
Format Conference Proceeding
LanguageEnglish
Published IEEE 01.10.2010
Subjects
Biological tissues
Control systems
DC motors
Driver circuits
instrument
Instruments
Needles
portable
semi-automated
Stress
tissue microarray
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Summary:Tissue Microarrays (TMA) is a kind of high-throughput, cost-effective and rapid method for testing or analyzing tissue specimens like clinical biopsies and tumor samples. However, the commercial TMA instruments have some drawbacks such as expensive, non-portable, complicated operation, limited accuracy, etc. This paper introduces the mechanical structure, control system and working process of a novel semi-automated instrument: TMA Maker in detail. This TMA Maker is designed to enhance the efficiency and the success rate and also solve some drawbacks of current productions. It mainly consists of the following components: z-motion platform, oscillating guide-bar mechanisms, punchers, motor drivers, microcomputer (MCU), sensor and power supply. Their functions and design thoughts are presented. The experimental results demonstrate that this device can accomplish the operation of extracting and placing cores more efficient, more convenient and automatic. It is a portable simple-operation and low-cost device as well.
ISBN:1424464951
9781424464951
ISSN:1948-2914
1948-2922
DOI:10.1109/BMEI.2010.5639243