Biological sample actuator
AssigneeOxford University Innovation Limited
InventorsJonathan Joshua Burton, Malcolm McCulloch, Mark Stuart Thompson, Chris Stevens
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Abstract
An apparatus is provided for mechanically loading a biological sample. The apparatus comprises: a container for housing the biological sample; a ferromagnetic element, for attachment to the biological sample within the container; and a solenoid for generating a magnetic field within the container, so as to apply a force to the ferromagnetic element. The solenoid is configured, when energised by a constant current, to produce a force on the ferromagnetic element that varies by less than a predetermined amount over a predetermined range of movement of the magnet within the container. A method of mechanically loading a biological sample is also disclosed.
Claims25
An apparatus for mechanically loading a biological sample, comprising:
- a container for housing the biological sample;
- a ferromagnetic element, for attachment to the biological sample within the container;
- and
- a solenoid for generating a magnetic field within the container, so as to apply a force to the ferromagnetic element, the solenoid having a solenoid axis;
- wherein the solenoid is configured, when energised by a constant current, to produce a force on the ferromagnetic element that varies by less than 50% over a range of movement of the ferromagnetic element within the container of at least 10 mm.
The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the solenoid comprises a winding that has a number of winding layers that varies with position along the solenoid axis.
The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the solenoid comprises a winding has a pitch that varies with position along the solenoid axis.
The apparatus of any preceding claim, further comprising means for cooling the solenoid by forced convection of a cooling fluid.
The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the container is a sterile container.
The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the container comprises a removable lid.
The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the ferromagnetic element comprises a permanent magnet.
The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the ferromagnetic element comprises a biologically inert coating.
The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the solenoid has a hole or recess along the axis for at least partially receiving the container so that the ferromagnetic element within the container is within the solenoid.
The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the length of the solenoid is at least 50 mm.
The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the container comprises gas exchange means.
A method of mechanically loading a biological sample, comprising:
- attaching a first portion of a the biological sample to a fixed object;
- attaching a ferromagnetic element to a second portion of the biological sample;
- positioning the ferromagnetic element within a working region of a solenoid;
- and
- exerting a force on the ferromagnetic element using a solenoid;
- wherein the solenoid is configured, when energised by a constant current, to produce a force on the ferromagnetic element that varies by less than 50% over a range of movement of the ferromagnetic element within the container of at least 10 mm.
The method of any preceding method claim, including a step of testing a substance for use a medicament on the biological sample while it is loaded periodically using the solenoid.
The method of any preceding method claim, wherein the biological sample is tissue, and the method comprises conditioning the tissue using the force exerted by the solenoid.
An apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to accompanying FIGS. 3 to 12.
A method substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to the accompanying FIGS. 3 to 12.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.