Introduction

The sample-holder for agitation-based processes is designed (1) to maintain samples immersed in process solution within a beaker, and, when equipped with a magnetic bar and placed on a magnetic stirrer, (2) to homogeneously expose the samples to convective fluid, enhancing solution transport while protecting samples from the turbulent flow generated within the beaker, avoiding sample damage.

Technical features

The sample-holder consists of a cross-shaped modular structure in which up to four samples, enclosed in commercial cassettes, can be placed. The structure is composed of: 1) a cross-shaped base with a central square shaft (top figure); 2) four rectangular frames (figure below). The base consists of four arms and one central shaft with vertical notches, a cross-shaped groove at the bottom allows to insert a commercial magnetic bar. Rectangular frames house commercial embedding cassettes holding the samples and can be bi-directionally hooked to the base. Such a modular structure has been designed to be inserted within a beaker filled with process solution and placed on a magnetic stirrer (see figure in previous slide). When the magnetic stirrer is switched on, the magnetic bar inserted on the sample-holderbase causes the rotation of the sample-holder, exposing the samples to convective fluid that enhances the transport of process solution through them.

Possible Applications

• Biomedical and diagnostic research;
• Regenerative medicine research and clinical applications;
• Bioprocess research and industrial applications;
• Research and applications for industrial pharmaceutics;
• Biological tissue decellularization;
• Medical devices functionalization/drug loading.

Advantages

• High process efficiency and short process duration;
• High process reproducibility;
• Low process costs;
• Ease of use;
• GLP compliance;
• Modularity;
• Customizability;
• Low manufacturing costs.