3D Electrode Array for High-Throughput Electroporation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electroporation techniques using parallel-plate electrodes require high voltages, causing cell damage and are not suitable for high-throughput experiments, while three-dimensional electrodes have low efficiency for extracorporeal cell electroporation.
Innovation Solution
A high-density distributed three-dimensional electrode device with an electrode array arranged in an equilateral polygon structure, divided into groups with alternating polarities, and an electrode fixing assembly for precise positioning and connection, reducing the distance between electrodes and optimizing the electric field.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If parallel-plate electrodes are used for electroporation, then a homogeneous electric field can be formed, but high voltage (several thousands volts) is required causing cathode effect and cell damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional parallel-plate electrodes to three-dimensional distributed electrodes. The 3D electrode array penetrates into tissues and living bodies, creating electric fields in multiple spatial dimensions. This dimensional change allows the electric field to be distributed throughout the tissue volume, reducing the need for high voltage while maintaining electroporation effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode system is divided into multiple discrete 3D electrodes arranged in an array, with electrodes distributed at different positions and orientations. This segmentation allows the electric field to be distributed across multiple smaller electrode-element pairs, reducing the voltage requirement for each individual pair while achieving comprehensive tissue coverage.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If planar electrodes are used for electroporation, then voltage can be reduced, but the processing capacity is very small making them unsuitable for high throughput experiments
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode system is divided into multiple discrete 3D electrodes arranged in an array configuration. This segmentation allows simultaneous processing of multiple cell samples or large volumes of cell suspension, dramatically increasing throughput compared to single planar electrode configurations while maintaining lower voltage requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
By transitioning to three-dimensional electrodes that can penetrate and distribute throughout the sample volume, the system increases the effective processing capacity. The 3D arrangement allows electric field application throughout the entire cell suspension or tissue volume, enabling high-throughput processing without requiring high voltages.
3Length of moving object
If three-dimensional electrodes are used for electroporation in clinic, then tissue penetration is improved, but electroporation efficiency is not high and there is no report of extracorporeal cell electroporation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different configurations and arrangements of 3D electrodes for different applications (extracorporeal vs. intracorporeal). The electrode array can be optimized for specific cell types and experimental conditions, allowing high-efficiency electroporation of suspended or attached cells in vitro, while maintaining the tissue penetration capability for in vivo applications.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device achieves high-throughput and efficient cell electroporation with reduced cell damage, capable of processing milliliter levels of cells and operating in both pore plate and flow devices with a lower electroporation voltage, enhancing electroporation efficiency and reducing cell death rates.
Implementation Method 1
exposing a cell to a short-lasted high-voltage electric field may enable formation of pathways through the cell membrane, and macromolecules such as proteins and DNAs may enter into the cell through those pathways
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a high-density distributed three-dimensional electrode device and an associated electroporation method. The method includes applying an electric pulse of a first polarity to a first group of electrodes while simultaneously applying an electrical pulse of a second polarity to a remaining group of electrodes, and then applying an electric pulse of the first polarity on a second group of electrodes while simultaneously applying an electric pulse of the second polarity to the remaining groups of electrodes. The electrodes receiving the electric pulse of the first polarity being surrounded by the electrodes receiving the electric pulse of the second polarity, and the first polarity and the second polarity are opposite.