AC Electrokinetic Nanoscale Analyte Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for separating nanoscale analytes from complex biological samples are often bulky and require large sample volumes, necessitating a more efficient and minimally invasive approach for purification and characterization.
Innovation Solution
The use of an array of alternating current (AC) electrodes configured to establish AC electrokinetic high and low field regions, which disrupt fluid flow and enhance the capture of nanoscale analytes, allowing for their isolation and purification with minimal sample volume and without additional purification steps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional separation techniques are used, then separation of nanoscale analytes can be achieved, but the devices are bulky and require large sample volumes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical separation systems (centrifuges, filters) with an electrokinetic system using AC electrodes that generate dielectrophoretic fields. This substitution enables nanoscale analyte separation in a compact device using minimal sample volume (nanoliters to microliters) while achieving high purification efficiency without the bulkiness of traditional mechanical separation equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in electrical field parameters (AC frequency, voltage amplitude, electrode configuration) to control dielectrophoretic forces on nanoscale analytes. By adjusting these parameters, the system achieves effective separation in minimal sample volume within a compact device, resolving the contradiction between small sample volume requirement and device complexity
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple purification steps are used, then purity of nanoscale analytes can be improved, but the process time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The AC electrode array system performs multiple purification functions simultaneously through a single dielectrophoretic separation process. The system can isolate nanoscale analytes from various contaminants (proteins, cellular debris, other particles) in one operation, achieving high purity without requiring multiple sequential purification steps, thereby reducing processing time while maintaining precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs continuous AC electrokinetic field application that maintains constant dielectrophoretic separation action throughout the sample processing. This continuous useful action achieves high purification purity in a single uninterrupted process rather than through multiple discrete steps, minimizing time loss between operations while ensuring thorough separation
3Productivity
If conventional electrodes are used, then fluid flow is maintained, but capture of nanoscale analytes at electrode surface is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates local variations in electrical field strength around individual AC electrodes, generating localized dielectrophoretic high field regions that enhance analyte capture at specific electrode surfaces. This local field concentration improves capture efficiency without requiring overall reduction of fluid flow through the entire device, as each electrode independently concentrates analytes from the flowing sample
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
This method enables rapid and efficient isolation of nanoscale analytes, achieving high purity and concentration, facilitating further analysis and characterization without the need for additional processing, and is suitable for multiplexed and high-throughput operations.
Implementation Method 1
the AC electrodes are configured to be selectively energized to establish AC electrokinetic high fields
Implementation Method 2
the AC electrodes are configured to be selectively energized to establish AC electrokinetic high field regions and AC electrokinetic low field regions
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention includes methods, devices and systems for isolating nanoparticulates, including nucleic acids, from biological samples. In various aspects, the methods, devices and systems may allow for a rapid procedure that requires a minimal amount of material and/or results in high purity isolation of biological components from complex fluids such as blood or environmental samples.