Devices, systems, and methods for extracting a material from a material sample

Abstract

Devices, systems, and associated methods for selectively extracting a material from a sample are provided. In one aspect, for example, a method for selectively extracting biological material from a biological sample can include identifying a region of biological material to be extracted from a biological sample, applying an extraction tool to the region of biological material to disrupt biological material from the biological sample, and dispensing a liquid at the region of biological material. The method can also include aspirating the liquid and the disrupted biological material from the biological sample.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for selectively extracting biological material from a biological sample, comprising:
 identifying a region of biological material to be extracted from a biological sample;   applying an extraction tool to the region of biological material to disrupt biological material from the biological sample;   dispensing a liquid at the region of biological material; and   aspirating the liquid and the disrupted biological material from the biological sample.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the extraction tool imparts a cutting motion to the region of biological material. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the cutting motion includes a motion selected from the group consisting of rotating, vibrating, slicing, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the cutting motion is rotating. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the liquid is dispensed at an interface between the region of biological material and the extraction tool. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the liquid is dispensed and aspirated simultaneously. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the liquid is dispensed and aspirated by the extraction tool. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein identifying a region of biological material further includes;
 obtaining a real time digital image of the biological sample;   defining an area of interest on the digital image corresponding to the region of biological material, wherein movement of the biological sample is reflected by movement of the area of interest and/or the digital image to maintain position of the area of interest relative to the biological material.   
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the biological sample is a series of biological sections, and wherein the area of interest is defined on one section corresponding to the region of biological material from a different section. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the biological sample is disposed on a substantially planar surface. 
     
     
         11 . A method for selectively extracting biological material from a biological sample, comprising:
 identifying a region of biological material to be extracted from a biological sample;   applying an extraction tool to the region of biological material to disrupt biological material from the biological sample; and   recovering the disrupted biological material from the biological sample.   
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the extraction tool is a milling machine. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein identifying a region of biological material further includes;
 obtaining a real time digital image of the biological sample;   defining an area of interest on the digital image corresponding to the region of biological material, wherein movement of the biological sample is reflected by movement of the area of interest and/or the digital image to maintain position of the area of interest relative to the biological material.   
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the biological sample is a series of biological sections, and wherein the area of interest is defined on one section corresponding to the region of biological material from a different section. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the biological sample is disposed on a substantially planar surface. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the substantially planar surface comprises a slide. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the slide comprises a microscope slide. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the biological sample is a tissue sample. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the tissue sample is chemically fixed. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein the tissue sample is embedded in paraffin wax.