Bio-particle Sorting via Image-Manipulated Electric Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for sorting bio-particles, such as circulating tumor cells, in microfluidic devices are inefficient due to long sorting times and incomplete removal of unwanted cells, with cells often adhering to channel surfaces, leading to reduced accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A sorting device utilizing image-manipulated electric force with a microfluidic channel between conductive electrodes and photosensitive layers, where a light pattern with a dark zone is used to selectively move and isolate bio-particles, reducing flow rates and preventing cell adherence through optimized inlet and outlet designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If light-induced dielectrophoresis is used to sort cells in a microfluidic channel, then specific cells can be sorted and isolated, but the sorting time per cell becomes relatively long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamic control of the light bar position and shape to actively manipulate cell sorting in real-time. The light bar is dynamically adjusted to different positions along the microfluidic channel and changed in shape (from linear to curved) to adapt to different sorting stages, enabling faster and more flexible cell separation compared to static methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic illumination cycles where the light bar is activated in specific patterns to sort different types of cells sequentially. The periodic activation and deactivation of light zones allows for rhythmic sorting operations that improve throughput while maintaining accuracy
2Productivity
If a bar-shaped light zone is used to sweep away unwanted cells, then sorting can be performed, but unwanted cells may not be swept away completely and may flow into the collecting region
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates localized light zones with specific spatial distributions that concentrate the dielectrophoretic force precisely where needed. By shaping the light bar into curved patterns and positioning it strategically, the method applies force locally to trap desired cells while simultaneously repelling unwanted cells to different regions, achieving both high throughput and high purity
Solution Approach 2:
The light-induced electric field acts as an intermediary force field that mediates the separation between desired and unwanted cells. This intermediate field allows for gentle yet effective manipulation of cells without direct mechanical contact, enabling complete separation while maintaining cell viability and sorting efficiency
3Quantity of substance
If fluid containing heterogeneous mixtures is injected into the microfluidic channel through an inlet, then cell delivery is achieved, but some cells adhere or stock to the inner surface of the microfluidic channel near the inlet
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary light-induced dielectrophoretic forces near the inlet region to prevent cell adhesion before it occurs. By activating light zones strategically positioned near the inlet, the method proactively repels cells from adhering to channel surfaces, ensuring smooth cell flow and maintaining sorting accuracy throughout 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
This approach significantly enhances sorting efficiency and accuracy, reducing sorting time per cell to 72.1 seconds and achieving 100% purity by effectively preventing unwanted cells from entering the collection region.
Implementation Method 1
one or more photosensitive layers conformally disposed on at least one of the surfaces of the first conductive electrode and the second conductive electrode
Implementation Method 2
Device for sorting bio-particles using image-manipulated electric force
Data Source
AI summary
A device for sorting bio-particles by image-manipulated electric force includes a first substrate, a second substrate, a fluidic channel, one or more photosensitive layers and an inlet hole. The first substrate has a first conductive electrode, and the second substrate has a second conductive electrode. The second conductive electrode is disposed opposite the first conductive electrode. The fluidic channel is disposed between the first conductive electrode and the second conductive electrode. The photosensitive layer is conformally disposed on at least one of the surfaces of the first conductive electrode and the second conductive electrode. The inlet hole is disposed in the first conductive electrode and the first substrate, where the inlet hole includes a first opening close to the fluidic channel and a second opening away from the fluidic channel, and the surface area of the first opening is greater than the surface area of the second opening.