Methods, systems and solid compositions for reagent delivery
AssigneeVentana Medical Systems, Inc.
InventorsAnisha Anand, Crystal L. Stephens, Natcha Suriyavirun
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Abstract
Methods, systems, and compositions featuring a solid, dissolvable reagent composition for delivering the reagent, such as an antibody, probe, chromogen, etc., to a sample. The present invention also features methods of producing said compositions, and automated systems featuring the use of the solid, dissolvable reagent compositions. The solid, dissolvable reagent composition may comprise a water-soluble polymer film, such as a polyvinyl alcohol film, infused with the reagent, wherein when applied to the sample, the water-soluble polymer film with reagent contacts the sample (e.g., tissue) and dissolves.
Claims9
A method of depositing a reagent onto a sample, the method comprising:
- (a) introducing the sample to an automated system, wherein the automated system comprises:
- (i) a base for supporting the sample;
- (ii) a liquid dispenser containing a liquid;
- and
- (iii) a solid reagent dispenser containing a solid composition, wherein the solid composition comprises a water-soluble polymer and a reagent embedded in the water-soluble polymer, wherein the reagent is an antibody, an antibody fragment, or a protein, and wherein the water-soluble polymer comprises polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), dextran, hydroxypropyl cellulose, poly (acrylic acid sodium salt), poly (ethylene glycol), poly (methylacrylic acid sodium salt), poly(styrenesulfonic acid sodium salt), pullulan, or a combination thereof, and wherein the sample is placed on the base;
- and
- (b) activating the automated system such that the liquid dispenser aliquots the liquid onto the sample and the solid reagent dispenser deposits the solid composition on top of the sample;
- and
- wherein when the composition is deposited on top of the sample and the solid composition comes in contact with the liquid, the solid composition dissolves onto the sample, thereby depositing the reagent onto the sample.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.