AC Electric Field Separation for Nucleic Acids
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current microfluidic systems for preparative bioparticle separation face challenges with low throughput and clogging issues, especially when separating components of medium sizes or a spectrum of different sizes, and traditional field-flow fractionation methods have low separation resolution and require complex configurations or tagging of nucleic acids.
Innovation Solution
A field-flow fractionation device using an alternating current (AC) power source, a channel with a sample inlet and outlets, a flow generator, and an actuator with an array of electrodes arranged in rows to generate a localized AC electric field, allowing continuous separation of sample components without the need for a separation matrix or tagging, enabling high-resolution separation of unmodified nucleic acids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If mechanical sieve is used for separation, then separation efficiency for size-distinct particles is improved, but device complexity increases and clogging occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical sieve system with an AC electric field-based separation system. The AC electric field induces dielectrophoretic forces on particles according to their size and electrical properties, achieving separation without mechanical contact. This substitution eliminates clogging issues inherent in mechanical sieves while maintaining separation efficiency for particles of different sizes.
2Productivity
If traditional FFF is used for continuous separation, then throughput is improved, but separation resolution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating localized AC electric field regions between adjacent electrodes in the array. Each electrode pair generates a focused dielectrophoretic field zone that exerts precise forces on particles passing through. This localized field application maintains high separation resolution by creating distinct separation zones while allowing continuous particle flow through the channel, thus preserving throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic AC electric fields with adjustable frequency and amplitude to optimize separation. The alternating nature of the AC field creates time-varying dielectrophoretic forces that can be tuned to enhance particle separation based on their electrical properties. This dynamic control allows the system to maintain high resolution while operating in continuous flow mode.
3Measurement precision
If AC electric field with array of electrodes is used, then separation resolution is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electric field generation into multiple independent electrodes arranged in an array. Each electrode or electrode pair can be controlled independently or in groups, allowing the AC power to be applied only to specific regions where separation is needed. This segmentation enables high-resolution separation through localized field application while reducing overall power consumption compared to applying a uniform field across the entire channel.
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 method achieves high throughput, high separation resolution, and low clogging tendency, allowing for efficient separation of components of varying sizes, including unmodified nucleic acids, with the potential for small device size and low power consumption, while maintaining separation efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
operating the AC power source to generate an AC electric field between adjacent rows to set them at different AC potentials
Implementation Method 2
field-flow fractionation device using an alternating current (AC) power source, a channel with a sample inlet and outlets, a flow generator, and an actuator with an array of electrodes arranged in rows to generate a localized AC electric field
Implementation Method 3
a flow generator, coupled to the channel, for translocating the sample components along the channel in a first direction from the sample inlet to the plurality of sample outlets
Implementation Method 4
method for continuously separating components from a sample, in particular by way of a field-flow fractionation
Data Source
AI summary
A method for continuously separating components from a sample includes providing a field-flow fractionation device including: a channel coupled to a flow generator for translocating the sample components along the channel in a first direction, an actuator for translocating the sample components in a second direction, at an angle with the first direction, and an array of electrodes electrically or capacitively connected to an AC power source, operating the actuator so as to translocate the sample components in a second direction at an angle with the first direction, operating the AC power source so as to generate an AC electric field between adjacent rows, and operating the flow generator, collecting sample components from the sample outlets.