Hahn, T.T.HahnKleffner, B.B.KleffnerRuf, H.H.Ruf2022-03-082022-03-082001https://publica.fraunhofer.de/handle/publica/304882Beschrieben wird eine Vorrichtung zur gezielten Beaufschlagung einer biologischen Probe, vorzugsweise biologisches Zellmaterial, mit Schallwellen, mit einem Probengefaess, in dem die biologische Probe in suspendierter Form vorliegt, sowie mit einer die Schallwellen erzeugenden elektroakustischen Wandlereinrichtung. Die Erfindung zeichnet sich dadurch aus, dass die elektroakustische Wandlereinrichtung derart mit dem Probengefaess in Wirkverbindung steht, dass die Schallwelleneinkopplung in die Probe durch die Probengefaesswand hindurch erfolgt und die elektroakustische Wandlereinrichtung ausserhalb des Probengefaesses angeordnet ist.DE 19820466 A UPAB: 20000124 NOVELTY - The electroacoustic transducer (7) couples sound waves into the sample vessel (13) through the wall from the outside. DETAILED DESCRIPTION - An INDEPENDENT CLAIM is included for the method in which numbers of samples are irradiated automatically. Preferred features: The transducer couples sound from below, through the base comprising acoustically transparent membrane material. Coupling is by a plane parallel acoustic quarter wave transformer in the wall. A spherical acoustic lens set in the vessel wall couples the sound. A soft polymer section can be added to the transducer for coupling into the vessel. A liquid-containing coupling is filled with water or other sound-transmitting liquid. Sound is produced at 100 kHz, preferably 500 kHz-5 MHz. The transducer is piezoelectric, magnetostrictive and/or electrostrictive. Sound is focused into a definite sample volume, its location being adjustable with respect to a central filling level. The lens or spherically radiating surface are on the transducer. Several transducer elements are controlled in selective phase shifting, causing the required constructive and destructive interference for focusing. They form a regular two-dimensional array. A piezo-composite is employed, with piezoelectric elements embedded in a polymer matrix as a regular grid formation of rods, their axes normal to the grid plane. The transducer travels on an X-Y carriage for automatic treatment of many samples. The vessel is one of many (cells) in a micro titration plate. Sound coupling is effected through a fluid in the vessel wall. Samples are irradiated serially or in parallel, with no relative motion between sample vessel and transducer. USE - To irradiate e.g. cell material or tissue samples in suspension, with sound waves. ADVANTAGE - The method can be used for cell transport or agitation e.g. to enhance reaction and transfer. The cells may be disintegrated at higher intensity (lithotriptor). The new apparatus delivers a precise dose of ultrasound energy for desired stimulation or agitation. Focusing avoids interfering reflections and limits effects to the sample. Specific effects can be triggered. Use of highest frequency ultrasound minimizes the target focal region; focusing also prevents liquid surface atomization, preventing cross-contamination. High frequencies facilitate miniaturization to match the dimensions of micro titration plates.de608610620patent1998-19820466