Patent Publication Number: US-2023160791-A1

Title: Device and method for tissue processing

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a 35 U.S.C. 371 National Stage of International Application No. PCT/US21/25941 filed Apr. 6, 2021, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/005,900, filed Apr. 6, 2020, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety for all intents and purposes. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     This disclosure relates generally to an apparatus and method for processing tissue. More specifically, this disclosure relates to isolating tissue, for example, from tissue samples or organs by way of a tissue processing chamber. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Many different methods and approaches have been attempted to isolate individual cells from their respective parent organs or larger tissue samples. Prior methods have produced isolated cells with some cell destruction. This cell destruction can result from the relatively severe mechanical stimulation that is used to isolate cells from an organ. Additionally, many known methods require addition of an enzyme to break down the tissue samples. 
     The disadvantages of mechanical and enzymatic methods for individual cell isolation from parent organs or tissues known in the art has resulted in a need in the art for more effective devices and methods for individual cell isolation from parent organs or tissues that provides greater yields of a greater percentage of intact, viable cells. 
     SUMMARY 
     Provided herein are devices and methods of use thereof for individual cell isolation from parent organs or tissues that provides greater yields of a greater percentage of intact, viable cells. 
     One aspect of the disclosure is a tissue processing device. The tissue processing device includes a tissue chamber. The tissue chamber includes at least one rotary blade housed within the tissue chamber, a drive shaft coupled to the at least one rotary blade, wherein rotation of the drive shaft is configured to rotate the at least one rotary blade, and a screen adjacent to the rotary blades, wherein rotation of the at least one rotary blade is configured to press processed tissue of a tissue sample through the screen. The tissue processing device further includes a collection chamber coupled to the tissue chamber configured to collect the processed tissue. 
     In another aspect, a tissue processing system is disclosed. The tissue processing system includes a tissue chamber. The tissue processing chamber includes at least one rotary blade housed within the tissue chamber, a drive shaft coupled to the at least one rotary blade, wherein rotation of the drive shaft is configured to rotate the at least one rotary blade, and wherein a distal end of the drive shaft comprises a motor coupling, and a screen adjacent to the at least one rotary blade, wherein rotation of the at least one rotary blade is configured to press processed tissue of a tissue sample through the screen. The tissue processing system further includes a collection chamber coupled to the tissue chamber configured to collect the processed tissue and an isolation chamber coupled to the tissue chamber and the collection chamber. The isolation chamber includes a motor coupled to the motor coupling configured to rotate the drive shaft 
     In another aspect, a tissue processing method is disclosed. The tissue processing method includes rotating at least one rotary blade within a tissue chamber. The tissue processing method additionally includes pressing at least a portion of a tissue sample through a screen adjacent to the at least one rotary blade via impeller forces of the at least one rotary blade. The tissue processing method further includes collecting processed tissue in a collection chamber. 
     These and other features and advantages of the invention disclosed herein will be more fully understood from the following detailed description taken together with the accompanying drawings and the claims. It is noted that the scope of the claims is defined by the recitations therein and not by the specific discussion of features and advantages set forth in the present description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
       The above, as well as additional, features will be better understood through the following illustrative and non-limiting detailed description of example embodiments, with reference to the appended drawings. 
         FIG.  1 A  illustrates a cross-sectional view of an example tissue processing chamber, according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG.  1 B  illustrates a cross-sectional view of an example tissue processing chamber, according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG.  2    illustrates another cross-sectional view of an example tissue processing chamber, according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG.  3    illustrates a schematic of an example tissue processing system, according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG.  4    illustrates a schematic of an example tissue processing system and an example infusion bag, according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG.  5 A  illustrates an exploded view of an example tissue processing chamber, according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG.  5 B  illustrates an exploded view of an example tissue processing chamber, according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG.  5 B  illustrates an exploded view of an example tissue processing chamber, according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG.  6    is a flow chart illustrating an example method of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  7 A  illustrates an example drive shaft and rotary blades, according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG.  7 B  illustrates an example drive shaft and rotary blades, according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG.  8    illustrates an example screen, according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG.  9    illustrates an example detachable stand, according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG.  10    illustrates an example tissue loading port cap, according to an example embodiment. 
     
    
    
     All the figures are schematic, not necessarily to scale, and generally only show parts which are necessary to elucidate example embodiments, wherein other parts can be omitted or merely suggested. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Example embodiments are now described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. That which is encompassed by the claims can, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of example. Furthermore, like numbers refer to the same or similar elements or components throughout. 
     In accordance with the principles herein, a tissue processing chamber, shown generally at  100 , provides processing and separation of tissue samples from larger tissue samples or organs. The tissue processing chamber can include rotary blades which, through impeller forces of the rotating rotary blades, press the larger tissue sample through a screen into a collection chamber. Processed tissue can then be extracted from the collection chamber, for example, for testing, culture, or clinical use. 
     For example, tissues that can be processed include, but are not limited to mesodermal-derived, endodermal-derived, ectodermal derived tissues, extraembryonic and fetal adnexa tissues, adipose tissue, pancreatic tissue, liver tissue, biliary tree issue, intestinal tissue, lung tissue, kidney tissue, bone tissue, bone marrow tissue, cartilage, muscle tissue, tendon, ligaments, amniotic tissue, chorionic tissue, umbilical cord tissue, placenta, blood vessels tissue, ovarian tissue, endocrine tissue, thyroid gland tissue, parathyroid gland tissue, adrenal gland tissue, pituitary gland tissue, pineal gland tissue, thymic tissue, dermal tissue, epidermal tissue, connective tissue, fibrous tissue, and central and peripheral nervous tissue. Tissue processing can be performed by activating the impeller at a specific rotational speed, or at a range of speeds, in clockwise or counter-clockwise direction. The geometry of the blade and of the screen can be modified to yield tissue fragments with different shapes. Screens of different geometries can be replaced in the same instrument to yield tissue fragments of different sizes. Instruments connected in series and loaded with screens of progressively smaller sizes can process tissue yielding fragments of decreasing size throughout the series. 
     Further, testing can include, but is not limited to, measurement of the size, volume, and number of tissue fragments via imaging, measurement of the weight of the fragments via mechanical scale or balance, measurement of electrical impedance of tissue fragments, suspended in an electrolyte, when passing through an aperture between electrodes (Coulter method, Coulter principle), measurement of viability of tissue fragments via staining and imaging, analysis of RNA expression and gene expression via northern blotting, hybridization, fluorescent in situ hybridization, reverse transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR), quantitative RT-PCR, microarray, Tiling array, next-generation sequencing, RNA sequencing, analysis of DNA content via DNA sequencing, analysis of protein expression via Liquid Chromatography—Tandem Mass Spectrometry, Gas Chromatography, analysis of immunomodulatory function, analysis of hormone-release function, and/or analysis of the release of factors in the fluid milieu via sensors. 
     In some example embodiments, culture that can be done with samples include tissue fragments can be cultured with culture media to generate organotypic cultures; tissue fragments can be cultured alone or in combination with other cells, tissue fragments, tissues, or matrices; tissue fragments can be cultured with culture media in static culture, in agitation, in perifusion (i.e., fluid flow), in an automated bioreactor system; and/or in two-dimensional or three-dimensional culture conditions, or in a compartimentalized device. Tissue fragments can be cultured in culture media in non-adherent conditions, in adherent conditions, or in embedded conditions (such as in a matrix or material); tissue fragments can be maintained in a liquid medium, or at the liquid-gas interface; tissue fragments can be suspended in cryopreservation medium and subsequently cryopreserved, can be cryopreserved directly, can be lyophilized, can be maintained in hypothermic conditions, or can be encapsulated. 
     In some example embodiments, clinical uses for the samples include, but are not limited to, manipulation of the tissue via mechanical processing of tissue into tissue fragments, in the presence or absence of washing, concentration, and/or preservation steps. Minimally manipulated tissue can be utilized for homologous use and can be utilized clinically in the autologous setting, or in the allogeneic setting. Processed tissue fragments can be implanted for homologous use (i.e., for repair, reconstruction, replacement, or supplementation of a recipient&#39;s cells or tissues). In homologous uses, fragments of tissue can perform the same basic function or functions in the recipient as in the donor. Human tissues undergoing minimal manipulation and intended for application in homologous uses are currently classified as human cellular or tissue product (HCT/P). Adipose tissue fragments can be utilized in plastic surgery, musculoskeletal, reparative (traumatic lesions, burns and wounds) regenerative medicine applications, and reconstructive surgery applications. Cartilage tissue fragments can be utilized in reconstructive and orthopedic surgery application to replace cartilage after fracture, loss, or disease. Stromal Vascular Tissue Fragments can be utilized in reconstructive surgery applications. Endocrine tissue fragments can be used to functionally replace or supplement the endocrine tissue of the recipient. Optionally, processed tissue fragments can be cultured and/or cryopreserved, before clinical use. 
     Now referring to  FIGS.  1 A- 2   , schematic cross-sectional views of an example tissue processing chamber  100 , according to an example embodiment are shown. A tissue processing chamber  100  includes a tissue chamber  102 , a drive shaft  104 , one or more rotary blades  106 , a support grid  108 , a collection chamber  110 , a screen  112 , and, in some examples, a detachable stand  131 . 
     In example embodiments, the tissue chamber  102  can be cylindrical, or substantially cylindrical, and house a portion of the drive shaft  104 , the rotary blades  106 , the support grid  108 , and the screen  112 . More specifically, the tissue chamber  102  can be a vessel defined by an outer boundary and a space within the outer boundary. The space within the outer boundary can have any useful and convenient shape. Example configurations include cylindrical (as shown in  FIGS.  1 A- 2   ), spherical, or conical shapes, among many others. 
     In some examples, the tissue chamber  102  can be constructed of an autoclavable material. Autoclavable material can withstand the pressure and temperature of tissue processing, as well as repeated sterilization. For example, the tissue chamber  102  can comprise a high grade polymer material. This is desirable, as tissue processing requires regulated temperatures and pressures. It should be understood that other materials and example configurations of the tissue chamber  102  are possible. 
     The tissue chamber  102  includes an inlet for depositing a tissue sample, such as a tissue loading port  123 . The tissue loading port  123  can include a tissue loading port cap  125 . The tissue loading port  123  can be configured such that, during use, the tissue chamber  102  can be assembled and sterilized before a tissue sample is added. The tissue sample can then be added by removing the tissue loading port cap  125  and depositing the tissue sample into the tissue chamber  102 . In some example, the tissue loading port  123  and tissue loading port cap  123  can fasten to each other by way of a threaded connection, however other example embodiments are possible. 
     Similar to the tissue chamber  102 , in some examples, the tissue loading port  123  and tissue loading port cap  125  can include autoclavable material, such as a high grade polymer material. Additionally or alternatively, the tissue loading port  123  and tissue loading port cap  125  can include material that can be sterilized via irradiation or via gas sterilization. It should be understood that other materials and example configurations of the tissue loading port  123  and tissue loading port cap  125  are possible. 
     Additionally or alternatively, the tissue sample can be deposited into the tissue chamber  102  directly, for example, from a top portion of the tissue chamber. In an alternative embodiment, the tissue sample can be deposited into the tissue chamber  102  before the tissue chamber  102  is coupled to the collection chamber  110 . For example, the tissue chamber  102  and collection chamber  110  can include a threaded connection  127  for deposit and removal of the tissue sample, as shown in  FIG.  1 A . The threaded connection  127  allows for deposit and removal of the tissue sample from the tissue chamber  102 . 
     Additionally or alternatively, the tissue sample can be deposited by way of an inlet, such as a luer lock  114 , or equivalent. The luer lock  114  can include fluid fittings used for making leak-free, sterile connections between a male-taper fitting and its mating female part on the tissue chamber  102 . The luer lock  114  can couple to an inlet tube (not shown) to deposit a specimen, such as homogenate, or saline into the tissue chamber  102 . Additionally, or alternatively, in some examples, the inlet tube coupled to the luer lock  114  can deposit saline into the tissue chamber  102 . Many other examples of alternative locks or inlets are possible. 
     The drive shaft  104  can be an elongated rod at least partially housed by the tissue chamber  102  and extending vertically, or substantially vertically, through the tissue chamber  102 . Additionally, in some embodiments, the drive shaft  104  includes a motor coupling  120  on a distal end  119  and the rotary blades  106  on a proximal end  121 . 
     The motor coupling  120  can be coupled to a motor on an isolation chamber (shown in  FIGS.  5 A- 5 C ). In practice, operation of the motor rotates the drive shaft  104  and the rotary blades  106  about a vertical axis (i.e., the axis along the drive shaft  104 ). 
     Further, in some example embodiments, the drive shaft  104  includes a compression spring  118 . The compression spring  118  can surround or substantially surround the drive shaft  104  and allow vertical movement of the rotary blades  106  along the drive shaft  104 . The compression spring  118  can push the rotary blades  106  in position against the screen  112 , while allowing the rotary blades  106  to adjust position along the drive shaft  104  and surpass potential blockages. Accordingly, large tissue chunks are progressively pushed through the openings of the screen  112 , and the rotary blades  106  will not get stuck or stopped by large tissue chunks. In some embodiments, it is possible to adjust the compression force of that the rotary blades  106  apply to the tissue sample against the screen  112  with the spring tension adjustment nut  534  and lock nut  536  (as shown in  FIGS.  5 A- 5 C ). 
     Additionally, in some examples, the drive shaft  104  and the rotary blades  106  can be configured to rotate in both clockwise and counter-clockwise directions. 
     The one or more rotary blades  106  are adjacent to the screen  112  and, in some examples, include stainless steel or another non-corrosive metal. Impeller forces of the rotating rotary blades  106  press the tissue sample through the screen  112  to process and break down the tissue sample into smaller pieces. In practice, rotation of the rotary blades  106  presses the tissue sample through the screen  112 . Pressing the tissue sample through the screen  112 , via the rotary blades  106 , in this manner can be done in a sterile, full-immersion system to minimize tissue trauma. 
     In some examples, the tissue processing chamber  100  can include two rotary blades  106 , as shown in  FIGS.  1 A and  1 B . In alternative embodiments, the tissue processing chamber  100  can include one blade or three or more rotary blades  106 . Further, a variety of shapes and sizes of rotary blades  106  can be used in different embodiments. Many examples and configurations of rotary blades  106  are possible, such as those shown in  FIGS.  7 A- 7 B . 
     In some example embodiments, the rotary blades  106  can additionally be configured to pivot or rotate about a horizontal axis to facilitate various sizes, shapes, and consistency of different tissue samples. 
     The screen  112  can, for example, be a wire mesh. In some examples, the wire mesh can include non-corrosive metal, such as stainless steel, which is desirable, as the screen  112  must withstand repeated sterilization. 
     The screen  112  includes a plurality of pores  115  for the tissue sample to be pressed through. In some examples, pores  115  can be hexagonal (as shown in  FIG.  8   ) or round in shape. Many other pore shapes and configurations are possible. The desired pore size can vary depending on the desired size of the processed tissue. For example, in some embodiments, it can be desirable to break down a tissue sample into very fine pieces. In these examples, the pore size of the screen  112  can be very small. Alternatively, it can be desirable to break down a tissue sample in larger pieces. In these examples, pore sizes of the screen  112  can be larger. In some examples, pore sizes can range from 20 μm to 3 mm. 
     Further, in some examples, the screen  112  can be removable and/or interchangeable such that the tissue processing chamber  100  can use a variety of different screens. 
     The support grid  108  is adjacent to and supports the screen  112 . In some examples, the support grid  108  can also include pores  115 . The pores of the support grid  108  can be larger than the pores of the screen  112 . In practice, impeller forces of the rotating rotary blades  106  press the processed tissue through the support grid  108 , in addition to the screen  112 , to enter the collection chamber  110 . 
     The collection chamber  110  is coupled to the tissue chamber  102  adjacent to the screen  112  and the support grid  108 . In some examples, the collection chamber  110  can be conical. Many other shapes and configurations of the collection chamber  110  are possible. 
     Further, in example embodiments, the collection chamber  110  also includes an outlet  113  for outflow of processed tissue. The outlet  113  can attach to a sterile collection bag (not shown). Additionally or alternatively, the outlet  113  can attach to an outlet tube (as shown in  FIG.  4   ). 
     In some examples, the collection chamber  110  can be constructed of an autoclavable material (i.e., material that can withstand the pressure and temperature of tissue processing). For example, the collection chamber  110  can comprise a high grade polymer material. This is desirable, as tissue processing requires regulated temperatures and pressures. 
     Further, in some example embodiments, the tissue processing chamber  100  can include an O-ring seal  116  between the tissue chamber  102  and the collection chamber  110 . In some examples, the O-ring seal  116  can create a static hermetic seal. 
     Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, the tissue chamber  100  can include two or more additional O-rings  109  and  111 . These additional O-rings  109  and  111  can create a dynamic seal around the drive shaft  104 . 
     In practice, specimen (e.g., a tissue sample) is deposited into the tissue chamber  102  via an inlet (e.g., the luer lock  114 ). A motor then spins the drive shaft  104  about a vertical (or substantially vertical) axis rotating the rotary blades  106 . The rotating rotary blades  106  press the tissue through the through the screen  112 , breaking down the processed tissue. Once the tissue passes through the screen  112 , tissue collects in the collection chamber  110 . In the example configuration shown in  FIGS.  1 A- 2   , the tissue sample is pressed downwards through the screen  112  into the collection chamber  110 . 
     In an alternate embodiment, the tissue processing chamber  100  is configured with the tissue chamber  102  below the collection chamber  110  (i.e., the tissue processing chamber  100  can be inverted or flipped upside down). This configuration is desirable in examples where the tissue sample includes a lipid. Namely, in practice, the lipids will float or rise to the top of the tissue chamber  102 . Impeller forces of the rotary blades  106  will press the lipids through the screen  112  and into the collection chamber  110 . 
     In some examples, the tissue processing chamber  100  can include a detachable stand  131 . The detachable stand  131  can be configured to detachably fasten to the tissue chamber  102 , as shown in  FIG.  1 A . In practice, the detachable stand  131  can be utilized to hold the tissue processing chamber  100  while loading the tissue sample. In some examples, the detachable stand  131  includes autoclavable material and/or material that can be sterilized via irradiation or gas sterilization, such as high grade polypropylene or aluminum. Many other shapes and materials may be utilized for the detachable stand  131 . 
     Now referring to  FIG.  3   , a tissue processing chamber  100  shown in an isolation chamber  322 . The tissue processing chamber  100  can be coupled to isolation chamber  322  during operation. For example, the motor coupling  120  can couple to a motor  324  by a latch and/or lock (not shown) on the motor  324 . In practice, when the motor coupling  120  is coupled to the motor  324 , operation of the motor  324  rotates the drive shaft  104  and rotary blades  106 . Further, in some example embodiments, the motor  324  can be configured to rotate the drive shaft  104  and the rotary blades  106  in both a clockwise direction and a counter clockwise direction about a vertical axis. 
     The motor  324  can be configured to be on either the top or the bottom of the isolation chamber  322  to accommodate for different configurations of the tissue processing chamber  100 . For example, as shown in  FIG.  3    the motor  324  can be coupled to the top portion of the isolation chamber  322  in examples where the tissue chamber  102  is above the collection chamber  110 . Alternatively, the motor  324  can be coupled to a bottom portion of the isolation chamber  322  in examples where the tissue chamber  102  is below the collection chamber  110  (e.g., in embodiments where the tissue sample includes lipids). Additionally or alternatively, the isolation chamber  322  can be inverted (i.e., flipped upside down) to accommodate for different tissue processing chamber  100  configurations and/or tissue samples. 
     Additionally, portions of the tissue chamber  102 , collection chamber  110 , and/or O-ring seal  116  can couple to the isolation chamber  322 . In some examples, the isolation chamber  322  can include locks  326  to stabilize the tissue processing chamber  100  during operation. It should be understood that any known type of connection mechanism can be used to attach the tissue processing chamber to the isolation chamber. 
     Now referring to  FIG.  4   , the tissue processing chamber  100  coupled to an infusion bag  428 , according to an example embodiment. In some example embodiments, the outlet  113  of the collection chamber  110  can be coupled to one end of an outlet tube  430 . The opposite end of the outlet tube  430  can be coupled to the infusion bag  428 . Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, the outlet  113  can be coupled directly to the infusion bag  428 , or an alternate sterile collection bag. This example configuration can be desirable in embodiments where the tissue chamber  102  is on top of the collection chamber  110  (as shown in  FIGS.  1 A- 2   , for example). Other known methods of extracting the tissue sample from the collection chamber  110  can be utilized, such as collection with a syringe, pumping via tubing and pump, or disassembling the chamber and pouring the content of the collection chamber. 
     Now referring to  FIGS.  5 A- 5 C , an exploded view of an example tissue processing chamber  100 , according to an example embodiment. The example tissue processing chamber  100  includes all the components as shown in  FIGS.  1 A- 4    and described above. In some example embodiments, the tissue processing chamber  100  can additionally include a threaded adaptor with rotating seals  532 . Further, the tissue processing chamber  100  can also include a spring tension adjustment nut  534  and a lock nut  536 . In practice, the tension adjustment nut  534  and lock nut  536  allow adjustment of the compression force the rotary blades  106  apply to the tissue sample against the screen  112 . Other mechanical fittings and configurations are possible and can be utilized. 
     Further, in some example embodiments, the tissue processing chamber  100  can include two rotary blades  106 , as shown in  FIG.  5 A . Alternatively, the tissue processing chamber  100  can include four rotary blades  106  or one rotary blade  106 , as shown in  FIG.  5 B  and  FIG.  5 C , respectively. 
     Now referring to  FIG.  6   , a flow chart illustrating an example method  900  of the present disclosure. Each block or portions of each block in  FIG.  6   , and within other processes and methods disclosed herein, can be performed by or in accordance with the tissue processing chamber described above with respect to  FIGS.  1 A- 5 C . Alternative implementations are included within the scope of the examples of the present disclosure in which functions can be executed out of order from that shown or discussed, including substantially concurrent or in reverse order, depending on the functionality involved, as would be understood by those reasonably skilled in the art. 
     Method  600  begins at block  602 , which involves rotating at least one rotary blade within a tissue chamber. 
     At block  604 , method  600  involves pressing at least a portion of a tissue sample through a screen adjacent to the at least one rotary blade via impeller forces of the at least one rotary blade. In some embodiments, before block  604 , the method further involves depositing the tissue sample into the tissue chamber by way of a luer lock on the tissue chamber. Additionally, in some embodiments, the tissue chamber comprises a support grid adjacent to the screen and wherein the method further comprises pressing the processed tissue through the support grid. 
     At block  606 , method  600  involves collecting processed tissue in a collection chamber. In some embodiments, method  600  further involves extracting the processed tissue from the collection chamber via a sterile collection bag attached to an outlet of the collection chamber. 
     Additionally, in some embodiments, method  600  can further involve depositing saline into the tissue chamber by way of a luer lock on the tissue chamber. 
     Now referring to  FIGS.  7 A and  7 B , example configurations of rotary blades  106  are shown. A variety of shapes and sizes of rotary blades  106  can be used in different embodiments. For example, the rotary blades  106  can be flat, as shown in  FIG.  7 A . Alternatively, the rotary blades  106  can be curved, as shown in  FIG.  7 B . Many other examples are possible. 
     Now referring to  FIG.  8   , a screen  112 , according to an example embodiment is shown. In some example embodiments, the pores  115  of the screen  112  can be hexagonal in shape, as shown in  FIG.  8   . Alternatively, the pores  115  can be round or oval in shape. Many other examples of shapes and sizes of screens  112  and pores  115  are possible. 
     Now referring to  FIG.  9   , an example detachable stand  131 , according to an example embodiment, is shown. As noted above, the detachable stand  131  is configured to detachably fasten to the tissue chamber  102 , as shown in  FIG.  1 A , and can be utilized to hold the tissue processing chamber  100  while loading the tissue sample. Additionally or alternatively, the detachable stand  131  can be used to hold the tissue chamber  102  while loading the tissue sample. The detachable stand  131  can include one or more notches  1038  compatible with corresponding holes (not shown) of the tissue chamber  102 . Further, in some examples, the detachable stand  131  can include a slit  1040  to accommodate tubing, such as outlet tube  430 , shown in  FIG.  4   . Many other examples of shapes and sizes of detachable stands  131  are possible. For example, different shapes and geometries can be generated to interlock the detachable stand  131  and the tissue processing chamber  100 . 
     Now referring to  FIG.  10   , an example tissue loading port cap  125 , according to an example embodiment is shown. In practice, the tissue sample can be added by removing the tissue loading port cap  125  and depositing the tissue sample into the tissue chamber  102 . The tissue loading port  123  and tissue loading port cap  123  can fasten to each other by way of a threaded connection, however other example connection types are possible. Many other examples of shapes and sizes of the tissue loading port cap  123  are possible. 
     While some embodiments have been illustrated and described in detail in the appended drawings and the foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative and not restrictive. Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected in practicing the claims, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. The mere fact that certain measures or features are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures or features cannot be used. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.